Netanyahu's Offer Rejected as Haredi Party Chair Refuses to Withdraw

Motty Lightner, chairman of the Haredi Public Party, has rejected an offer from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to withdraw from the upcoming elections, reportedly turning off his phone and refusing further negotiations. The Prime Minister met with Lightner in Petah Tikva overnight, where he was presented with a proposal that included a significant role overseeing projects and budgets worth hundreds of millions of shekels, aimed at promoting Haredi employment and establishing state-Haredi educational institutions.

Despite the substantial offer, Lightner has declared his intention to run until election day, with party sources indicating his press conference was meant to signal a final decision. This stance follows weeks of meetings, proposals, and pressure from senior figures within the Likud and Religious Zionism parties.

Tzvika Brodt, the Likud's campaign manager, had met with Lightner in an attempt to secure his withdrawal. The Likud fears that smaller right-wing lists could siphon votes away from their bloc, potentially impacting the election outcome.

The conflict has also spilled into public discourse, with Yair Netanyahu, the Prime Minister's son, criticizing Lightner on social media platform X, accusing him of "consciously leading to a left-wing government."