HaTzibur HaHaredi Leader Defends Campaign Costs Amid Election Loss
Moti Leitner, leader of the HaTzibur HaHaredi Party, defended his failed election campaign on television, criticizing established ultra-Orthodox factions and warning against potential coalition alliances.
The HaTzibur HaHaredi Party, led by Moti Leitner, failed to cross the electoral threshold in the recent elections, securing approximately 10,600 votes despite an extensive campaign and substantial financial investment. The party emerged with a platform distinct from traditional ultra-Orthodox factions like Shas and United Torah Judaism, advocating for broader integration into Israeli society, tailored military service, and educational reforms while preserving traditional lifestyles.
Appearing on Keshet 12's Meet the Press program, Leitner faced pointed questions regarding the campaign's cost and electoral outcome. Addressing the approximately 14 million shekels spent, anchor Amit Segal pressed Leitner on the source of the funding. Leitner deflected the financial scrutiny by launching a critique of established ultra-Orthodox parties, claiming that the older factions cost the public 350 million shekels in wasted funds during the previous parliamentary term.
"What we did was just a beginning for the system. This movement is here to stay, and we are not going anywhere," Leitner stated, attributing the campaign funding to dedicated donors who continue to support the party's platform.
Coalition Negotiations and Accusations of Fraud
Turning to ongoing coalition talks, Leitner sharply criticized the potential scenario of United Torah Judaism joining opposition parties. He characterized such an alliance as a government of fraud and breach of trust, arguing that politicians who previously criticized ultra-Orthodox parties over military conscription are now willing to compromise their principles to form a coalition.
Leitner also dismissed the notion that United Torah Judaism holds significant political leverage, pointing out that nearly 12 percent of ultra-Orthodox voters cast ballots for parties outside of Shas and United Torah Judaism. He noted a decline in parliamentary representation for established ultra-Orthodox factions, dropping from 18 to 13 mandates, and argued that public support for the traditional leadership is eroding.
United Torah Judaism recently informed President Isaac Herzog that it would not endorse any candidate for prime minister, leaving political options open amid ongoing disputes over the military draft law.
