New Ultra-Orthodox Parties Stir Debate but Fail to Shift Political Power
Recent weeks have seen announcements of new ultra-Orthodox political parties and movements, promising representation for thousands of disillusioned voters within the community. Itzik Brandwein, in a video column on Channel 7, explains why despite genuine frustration among ultra-Orthodox Israelis, a political revolution at the ballot box remains unlikely.
Brandwein notes that while many ultra-Orthodox feel alienated from established parties like Shas and United Torah Judaism, and younger, working, and modern ultra-Orthodox populations seek change, the gap between public dissatisfaction and actual political influence is substantial. Historically, similar narratives have emerged before each election cycle, with different factions claiming to represent a new wave of ultra-Orthodox voters, yet these claims rarely translate into significant electoral shifts.
A key reason for this persistence of the status quo lies in the unique structure of ultra-Orthodox politics, which relies heavily on rabbinical leadership rather than primary elections or party membership to determine candidate lists. This leadership continues to wield considerable electoral power, mobilizing voters effectively. Attempts by new groups, including online communities, have yet to challenge this system meaningfully.
Brandwein suggests that much of the recent noise serves to create an image of political strength rather than actual power. Leaders of these new movements gain public recognition and negotiating leverage by presenting themselves as representatives of thousands of potential voters. Even if they do not secure party positions, they can use this perceived influence to engage with other politicians seeking additional votes.
Ultimately, while the ultra-Orthodox community is undergoing significant social changes and genuine frustrations exist, these have not yet translated into a fundamental transformation of its political landscape. Brandwein advises readers to view announcements of new ultra-Orthodox parties with measured skepticism, recognizing that not all such initiatives intend to compete seriously in elections or possess the power to challenge established rabbinical authorities and political figures like Moshe Gafni and Aryeh Deri.
