New Haredi Party Drops Out of Knesset Race

The newly formed Haredi party 'Ha'Kehel', led by attorney Shlomo Elbaum, announced on Monday its withdrawal from the upcoming Knesset elections. The decision comes just one day before polling stations open and is framed by the party as an act of "deep responsibility for the people of Israel and its Torah." The party suggested its continued participation might have harmed the chances of the "Torah-observant camp" to achieve victory.

In its official statement, 'Ha'Kehel' thanked its supporters and pledged to continue working for "worthy and clean leadership for the Haredi public." The party urged its supporters to vote for the "victory of the Torah and Mitzvah-observant camp" without naming a specific party.

'Ha'Kehel' was launched three months ago in Jerusalem, positioning itself as an alternative to established Haredi parties like Shas and United Torah Judaism. The party aimed to attract Haredim dissatisfied with current representation and sought to implement a model of participatory democracy, including primary elections for Knesset candidates and a 100-member 'Ha'Kehel Council' for ongoing decision-making. Elbaum had previously indicated openness to women running in primaries and had stated the party would reconsider its candidacy if it jeopardized the right-wing bloc's chances.

The party's platform also addressed the issue of Haredi conscription, proposing tailored military service options for those not solely dedicated to Torah study, while respecting their Haredi lifestyle. The party declared its adherence to rabbinical guidance but had not yet revealed its supporting rabbis.

Following 'Ha'Kehel's' withdrawal, concerns remain within the right-wing camp about votes being potentially lost to smaller parties that may not pass the electoral threshold, which could lead to the formation of a left-wing government supported by Arab parties. Both right-wing and left-wing parties are actively encouraging voter turnout as the election approaches.