New Haredi Party Challenges United Torah Judaism Amid Growing Community Divisions

Journalist Yanki Farber discussed with Channel 7 the emerging political challenge posed by Motty Leitner's new party to United Torah Judaism (UTJ), highlighting a significant shift within the Haredi community. Farber noted that this is the first election cycle in his memory where UTJ is genuinely concerned about losing its dominance. Leitner's party has managed to penetrate the traditional Haredi strongholds through a broad campaign featuring a Hasidic figure from within the community, distinguishing it from previous attempts to challenge the established leadership.

Farber explained that the challenge reflects a deepening fracture within the Haredi public, split between mainstream families facing cuts to subsidies and allowances, and a growing segment of working, academic, and IDF-serving Haredim who feel politically unrepresented by UTJ. He emphasized that the economic hardships and the party's continued focus on Torah scholars alienate many who do not see themselves as part of UTJ's core constituency.

While Leitner's party currently polls at around one percent, Farber stressed that this translates to tens of thousands of voters and signals a demand for alternatives. He suggested that a strategic alliance with other parties, such as those led by Smotrich or Ben Gvir, could amplify the impact, though no final negotiations are known. Farber also warned that a public rabbinical condemnation of the new party might backfire, increasing support among those disillusioned with the Haredi establishment.

Farber further analyzed the broader context, noting that the Haredi leadership struggles to grasp societal changes, especially regarding the growing demand for Haredi military service. He argued that the old arguments against enlistment no longer resonate with many in the community. He predicted that future agreements on military service will have economic and practical consequences for those who defer service and that the political landscape has changed due to social media and public scrutiny.

Finally, Farber suggested that a government without Haredi parties might facilitate progress on the conscription issue by reducing direct political pressure on the community. He differentiated Shas from UTJ due to its different voter base and political history. Overall, Farber concluded that the combination of the conscription debate, economic strain, and lack of representation for new Haredi groups creates an unprecedented political reality for the community, marking a turning point in this election cycle.