Haredi Public (, HaTzibbur HaCharedi) is an Israeli political party founded in July 2026 and headed by Beit Shemesh Deputy Mayor Moti Leitner.
The party presents itself as a moderate alternative to the established Haredi parties Shas and United Torah Judaism, advocating protection for full-time Torah scholars alongside meaningful military or national service for those who do not study full-time, introduction of core curriculum subjects, workforce participation, and greater national responsibility.
History The movement was launched on 19 July 2026, initially demanding representation on the Knesset lists of Degel HaTorah and Shas under the slogan “No Haredi party without the Haredi public.” After talks with the established parties stalled, it decided to run independently.
Its official election campaign was launched on 23 August 2026 at an event in Beit Shemesh. The party submitted its electoral list to the Central Elections Committee on 8 September 2026.
Party chairman Moti Leitner previously founded and led the local Derech faction in the 2024 Beit Shemesh municipal elections, winning two seats on the city council and serving as deputy mayor.
Policies The party has a more open stance on Haredi conscription in Israel than the other Haredi parties. Unlike the established Haredi parties Shas and United Torah Judaism, it has included a woman, Nechumi Yaffe, in the third slot of its electoral list for the 2026 Israeli legislative election. If the party passes the electoral threshold, Yaffe would become the first Haredi woman elected to the Knesset to represent a Haredi party. There is a woman in the fourth slot of the list as well. Her name is Ziva Glanz and she is an Olah from Passaic, New Jersey.https://jewishlink.news/passaic-olah-ziva-glanz-brings-new-voice-to-israeli-politics/
Election results Election Leader Votes % Seats +/− Government 2026
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