Full coverage· Politics· Updated 18 Oct, 22:46

Netanyahu and Smotrich Urge Haredi Party Leader to Withdraw from Elections

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Bezalel Smotrich are trying to convince Moti Leitner, leader of the Haredi Public Party, to withdraw from the upcoming elections. The leaders are concerned that Leitner's party could siphon votes from their bloc if it fails to pass the electoral threshold.

2 newsrooms · 1 language · since 18 Oct, 20:21

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Netanyahu and Smotrich Urge Haredi Party Leader to Withdraw from Elections — Illustration by baba

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What happened

01Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Bezalel Smotrich are negotiating with Moti Leitner to withdraw his Haredi Public Party from elections.
02The leaders fear Leitner's party could cost their bloc thousands of votes if it fails to pass the electoral threshold.
03Leitner has rejected withdrawal offers, stating his party must represent its large public.
04The Haredi Public Party aims to be an alternative to established Haredi parties and supports Haredi IDF enlistment.
05Recent polls show the Haredi Public Party failing to cross the electoral threshold.

Despite negotiations and offers of alternative roles, Leitner insists his party will run, aiming to be the "surprise of the elections."

Translated and summarized by baba from Kipa, the latest report. Read Kipa’s original