Haredi Party Chairman Vows to Continue Knesset Race Amid Pressure

Moti Lightner, chairman of the Haredi Public party, has stated he will not withdraw his party from the upcoming Knesset race, despite significant political pressure. "I am not withdrawing. We are not withdrawing. We are running forward with all our might, building a new political home. The monopoly of Shas and United Torah Judaism has ended," Lightner declared.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Lightner on Tuesday, attempting to persuade him to remove his party from the competition. The Prime Minister's office fears that the Haredi Public's participation could draw votes away from the right-wing bloc and existing Haredi parties, potentially jeopardizing Netanyahu's chances of securing a majority in the next Knesset.

Efforts are also underway to enlist Rabbi David Leibl's support for the withdrawal. Prime Minister's office representatives have approached Rabbi Leibl, seeking a meeting with Netanyahu, but no such meeting has yet occurred. Rabbi Leibl has not publicly endorsed the party, though Lightner has previously expressed a desire for his support. Rabbi Leibl holds influence among some candidates and party leaders who consider themselves his students, making him a potential key figure in facilitating the party's withdrawal, according to Netanyahu's office.

Meanwhile, reports indicate accelerated negotiations between Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Lightner, aiming for an agreement. Proposals reportedly include a joint press conference with Netanyahu and appointing Lightner as a project manager for the Haredi sector. However, Lightner's current stance remains firm: his party intends to continue in the race, signaling the beginning of a contest for Haredi votes.