Full Breakdown
New Haredi Party Aims to Redefine Ultra-Orthodox Role Ahead of Israel’s Oct. 27 Election
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Core Event: Launch of HaTzibur HaHaredi and Its Reform Platform
HaTzibur HaHaredi (“The Haredi Public”), a new party led by Beit Shemesh deputy mayor Moti Leitner, entered the race with a platform that keeps religious exemptions for full-time Torah scholars but requires other Haredi men to serve in the IDF and join the economy. It also calls for greater independence of elected officials from rabbinic authorities and places two women, Ziva Glanz and Dr. Nechumi Yaffe, among its top four candidates to promote expanded mathematics, English, and vocational education for Haredi youth.
Background & Context
Israel’s ultra-Orthodox community has long been exempt from compulsory service, a policy dating to 1948. The Haredi share is about 13 %—roughly 1 million people of a 9 million-plus population, with fertility around 6.5 children per woman. Since the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks, the IDF warned of a shortage of up to 12,000 soldiers and urged the Haredi community to help. About 80,000 Haredi men aged 18-24 are eligible but have not enlisted. In June 2024, the Supreme Court ruled blanket exemptions lacked legal basis, prompting a political crisis and the withdrawal of Shas and United Torah Judaism from Netanyahu’s coalition in 2025.
Key Figures & Groups
- Moti Leitner – Deputy mayor of Beit Shemesh, former IDF soldier, founder of HaTzibur HaHaredi.
- Rabbi Yehoshua Pfeffer – Chair of the party’s rabbinic committee, former reservist.
- Ziva Glanz – Top-slate candidate advocating secular curricula.
- Dr. Nechumi Yaffe – Academic supporting career pathways within religious life.
- Benjamin Netanyahu – Prime Minister, argues non-students should enlist.
- Benny Gantz – Calls for a new draft law before the next government forms.
- Avigdor Lieberman – Yisrael Beiteinu leader, labels Haredi opposition “anti-Jewish.”
- Naftali Bennett – Religious-nationalist figure, set a red line on Haredi-dependent coalitions.
Data & Statistics
- Fertility rate: ~6.5 children per woman.
- Population share: 13 % Haredi (~1 million).
- Eligible but unenlisted: ~80,000 men (18-24).
- IDF shortage: up to 12,000 soldiers.
- Economic impact: Israel could forgo up to 10 % of growth by 2050 if Haredi men stay outside the labor market (Israel Democracy Institute).
- Public opinion: About half of Israelis support more Haredi conscription; among Haredi respondents, 36 % see no chance, while 45 % think leadership agreements could work.
Official Statements & Responses
Benny Gantz has called for a new draft law before the next government is sworn in. Avigdor Lieberman described Haredi leadership’s opposition as “anti-Jewish,” arguing there is no inherent conflict between Judaism and state service. Former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot proposes a universal service law covering both Haredi men and Arab citizens, with civilian service options for the latter.
Criticism & Opposition
Rabbi Yehoshua Pfeffer condemned the law-preventing arrests of draft evaders as “lawlessness” and urged “positive financial incentives” over punitive measures. Lieberman’s label reflects broader political pushback against the exemption model.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the number of eligible Haredi men, citing 80,000 versus a broader estimate of “hundreds of thousands.” The IDF’s 12,000-soldier shortage remains unquantified in terms of how Haredi enlistment would affect it.
What’s Next
The Oct. 27 election will decide if HaTzibur HaHaredi can cross the 3.25 % threshold and influence conscription policy. Post-election coalition talks are expected to address the draft issue, with leading rabbis slated to weigh in on any agreements.