Netanyahu’s haredi gamble may become his biggest election liability – analysis

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's strategy of making concessions to ultra-Orthodox (haredi) parties, particularly on military conscription, is becoming a significant political liability ahead of October's elections. This issue was exacerbated by a recording of Rabbi Dov Lando, a prominent haredi leader, accusing Religious Zionists who advocate for haredi conscription of "inciting murder." Netanyahu, who typically avoids criticizing haredi spiritual leaders, issued a rare, indirect rebuke, stating, "I strongly reject the shocking statements made against IDF soldiers from the Religious Zionist community." This led to a public exchange with Degel HaTorah, a haredi party, which warned against criticizing its rabbinic leadership. Netanyahu's response, though delayed, appears to be a calculated move to distance himself from haredi parties and their agenda on conscription, aiming to mitigate anger among his own voters, particularly Religious Zionists, without fully rupturing the alliance. The controversy highlights the challenge Netanyahu faces in balancing his coalition's demands with broader public sentiment, as opposition parties are likely to use the conscription issue to target him.