People of Israel, Charedi Public vow to stay in race despite pressure from PM and allies

The heads of the small People of Israel and Charedi Public parties vowed Wednesday to remain in next week's election, despite mounting pressure from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies to quit the race. Finance Minister Smotrich offered People of Israel chairman Ofer Winter a ministerial position in exchange for withdrawing, and Netanyahu met with Charedi Public chief Moti Leitner. Winter accused his own camp of harassment, while Leitner accused established Haredi parties of a "violent political monopoly." Separately, Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot pledged not to serve under Netanyahu in a rotation government.

The heads of the small People of Israel and Charedi Public parties vowed Wednesday to remain in next week's election, despite mounting pressure from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies to quit the race. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich offered People of Israel chairman Ofer Winter a ministerial position in exchange for withdrawing, and Netanyahu met with Charedi Public chief Moti Leitner in a reported bid to convince him to drop out. Winter accused members of his own political camp of waging an "ugly and unimaginable" campaign against him, alleging harassment of candidates and their children, the hiring of private investigators and pressure on rabbis. Leitner accused the established Haredi parties of maintaining a "violent political monopoly." Separately, Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot pledged he would not serve in a government led by Netanyahu, even under a rotation agreement. Polls show a deadlock between blocs.

People of Israel, Charedi Public vow to stay in race despite pressure from PM and allies