Israel election tensions rise over Haredi service and Arab party bans

Israel's upcoming elections are marked by intense political friction regarding the Haredi community and the participation of Arab political parties. The Zibur haHaredi party, led by software specialist and Bet Shemesh deputy mayor Moti Leitner, is emerging as a small splinter group within the ultra-Orthodox sector. Leitner advocates for the conscription of Haredim who only engage in religious studies formally, while requesting accommodations for their religious lifestyle. This follows growing societal tension over military service exemptions for the Haredi population, which has become a central conflict point since October 7.

Simultaneously, the Israeli Supreme Court is set to decide on attempts to exclude major Arab political lists, including the Ra'am party and the Joint List, from the Knesset elections. The Central Elections Committee's decision to move toward exclusion was driven by the Likud party and Itamar Ben-Gvir's Jewish Strength party. Critics and Arab politicians, such as Sami Abu Shehadeh, argue these moves are politically motivated to suppress the Arab minority vote and prevent a shift in government power.