Defeated Haredi Party Leader Vows to Persevere After Election Loss

Moti Lightner, the leader of the Haredi Public party, has summarized his party's significant loss in the 26th Knesset elections with the biblical phrase, "For I have fallen, but I will rise." Lightner posted this on Twitter, reinforcing his earlier statements that he is not discouraged and intends to run again. His party aimed to offer an alternative to established Haredi parties, focusing on issues such as the conscription of Haredim not studying in yeshivas, core curriculum studies, and the inclusion of women on the list. Despite these efforts, the party failed to approach the electoral threshold.

During the election campaign, Lightner faced pressure to withdraw from the race, partly due to concerns that his candidacy might harm the right-wing bloc's strength. He chose to continue, even as the party struggled to gain expected support. Lightner initially framed the election results as "the beginning of a long road," stating that the party had broken "the fear barrier."