United Torah Judaism's choice to withhold its endorsement for Benjamin Netanyahu marks a significant rupture after years of reliable political alignment. While possibly intended to increase post-election bargaining power, the move underscores a broader decline in the authority of veteran Haredi politicians and spiritual figures. Furthermore, established norms are facing resistance as an emerging internal political force challenges the traditional "society of learners" model. Meanwhile, younger community members and conservative Lithuanian groups are increasingly acknowledging major national shifts following the October 7 attack.
Key points
The longstanding alliance between Benjamin Netanyahu and key ultra-Orthodox political fac…: The longstanding alliance between Benjamin Netanyahu and key ultra-Orthodox political factions is undergoing unprecedented strain.
Established Haredi politicians and spiritual leaders are experiencing an erosion of influ…: Established Haredi politicians and spiritual leaders are experiencing an erosion of influence over their core constituency.
Internal leadership struggles reflect a widening gap between older political elites and t…: Internal leadership struggles reflect a widening gap between older political elites and the broader ultra-Orthodox public.
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ne of the most significant developments in the aftermath of the Israeli elections was the decision by United Torah Judaism (UTJ), the main ultra-Orthodox Jewish party, not to recommend Benjamin Netanyahu to form the next government.
This marks a departure from years of close alliance between Netanyahu and the ultra-Orthodox, or Haredi, parties, long considered a pillar of Israeli politics.
Even if the move was tactical, intended to strengthen the Haredi parties’ bargaining position, it sends an important signal, as last month’s vote exposed several significant shifts within Haredi society.
They include the declining standing of veteran political leaders, a struggle over the future of Haredi leadership, the emergence of a new political force challenging established conventions from within, and a deepening crisis surrounding the model of the “society of learners”.
The trauma of the Hamas-led 7 October attack may have bypassed the Haredi spiritual leadership and its veteran MPs, but the wider Haredi public, including the generally more conservative Lithuanian community, understands that something momentous has happened in Israel. This is particularly true of the younger generation.
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