New Haredi Party Launches Election Campaign, Criticizes Established Leadership

The newly formed Haredi party "HaTzibur HaHaredi," led by Moti Leitner, announced its candidacy for Israel's 26th Knesset elections at a campaign launch event in Beit Shemesh on August 23, 2026. Leitner sharply criticized the existing Haredi political leadership, particularly Shas and United Torah Judaism, accusing them of adopting a policy of detachment and failing to address critical community issues. He claimed that these parties have allowed the extremist Jerusalem Faction to dictate sector policies, stating, "A vote for United Torah Judaism and Shas is a vote for the thugs of the Jerusalem Faction."

The party's campaign, titled "This Time We Take Responsibility," aims to unite Ashkenazi, Sephardi, and Hasidic Haredim under one list. It focuses on preserving Torah study while proposing practical solutions to the military conscription crisis and integrating core subjects like mathematics and English into the curriculum of Haredi religious schools (Talmud Torahs). Leitner called for the establishment of a dedicated Haredi military brigade, stating, "Those who study will receive full protection; those who do not will serve." The party also plans to promote employment programs within the Haredi community.

Leitner warned that the Haredi society faces an existential threat and criticized the political leadership's response during recent conflicts, saying, "The severe disasters bypassed the detached political leadership." The party's full platform and detailed plans regarding conscription and education will be released in the coming weeks.

HaTzibur HaHaredi is not alone in challenging the established Haredi parties; two other new Haredi parties, "HaKahal" and "Achi," have also declared their intention to run in the upcoming elections. Their emergence introduces new competition for the traditional parties Shas and United Torah Judaism, which fear losing tens of thousands of votes or more. However, the chances of any new Haredi party crossing the electoral threshold remain uncertain due to the high bar and the community's traditional loyalty to established parties.