Analysis: The changing face of Israel’s ultra-Orthodox politics

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. Read more: The changing face of Israel’s ultra-Orthodox politics