"One a Day": The New Haredi Parties
In the N12 podcast "One a Day," Gideon Oko and Eli Hirsman examine the three new Haredi parties - "Hakahal," "Hatzibur Haharedi," and the "Achi" movement - which challenge Shas and United Torah Judaism ahead of the 2026 elections. The parties offer primaries, state-Haredi education, and enlistment for those not studying. Voter disappointment with the government, unfulfilled coalition promises, and the crisis over the draft exemption law have led to resentment and fears of low turnout. Eli Yishai is considering a comeback, and a legal decision harms the veteran parties.
In the N12 podcast "One a Day," Gideon Oko and Eli Hirsman discuss the new Haredi parties and the challenge they pose to the Haredi establishment ahead of the 2026 elections. While the media focuses on new parties in the center and right, the big political drama may unfold in the Haredi world. After years in which Shas and United Torah Judaism ruled almost unchallenged, three new parties - "Hakahal," "Hatzibur Haharedi," and the "Achi" movement - are challenging them and speaking to a disappointed public. They offer primaries, state-Haredi education, and enlistment for those not studying. The disappointment of Haredi voters with the current government, the unfulfilled coalition promises, and the crisis over the draft exemption law have led to unprecedented resentment and fears of low turnout. Meanwhile, Eli Yishai is considering a comeback that threatens Deri, and a single legal decision harms the ability of the veteran parties to mobilize voters.