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The changing face of Israel’s ultra-Orthodox politics
United Torah Judaism’s decision not to recommend Benjamin Netanyahu to form the next government signals a shift in the longstanding alliance between Israel’s ultra-Orthodox parties and the former prime minister. The article argues that the move reflects wider changes in Haredi society: established leaders face declining authority, and voters are less willing to follow traditional political loyalties without question.
Tensions are growing between generations, working Haredim and full-time Torah scholars, and those seeking greater integration and those wary of change. The failed attempt to secure legislation exempting yeshiva students from military service has exposed party leaders’ limits and the cost of unmet promises; economic hardship and regional wars add to the strain. A new party, HaTzibur HaHaredi, won few votes but points to challenges to the established parties’ hold over Haredi representation.
In short
- UTJ broke with its usual alignment by not recommending Netanyahu.
- Haredi leaders face pressure over military service exemptions.
- A new party signals cracks in established political loyalties.
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The case for
The shift can be seen as a reasonable response to leaders who have struggled to deliver on major promises, including legislation on military-service exemptions, amid economic pressure and changing expectations among Haredi voters. Greater willingness to question established loyalties and seek new forms of representation may let a more diverse community express its views and hold its representatives accountable.
The case against
Longstanding alliances and established Haredi leadership can provide political influence and continuity for a community seeking to protect its religious institutions and way of life. Fragmenting that representation or pursuing rapid integration could weaken its ability to negotiate effectively and leave those who prioritise full-time Torah study less well represented.
Explained simply
Israel’s ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, often called Haredi, has traditionally been represented by parties such as United Torah Judaism. These parties have often supported Benjamin Netanyahu in return for policies important to their voters, including public funding for religious schools and exemptions from military service for some yeshiva students, who study Jewish texts full time.
Haredi society includes people with differing views on work, education and how closely to engage with wider Israeli life. Community leaders and political parties have had to navigate those differences while seeking to protect religious practices and secure support for their institutions.
The debate over military service is part of a wider dispute in Israel about how the burden of service is shared. Economic pressures and conflict in the region add to the questions facing Haredi voters and the parties that claim to represent them.
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