Achva Party Withdraws From Knesset Race to Prevent Right-Wing Vote Split

The Achva party, backed by Rabbi Haim Yosef David Abergel, announced its withdrawal from the upcoming Knesset race just before the Sabbath began. The decision followed intense political pressure to prevent the loss of right-wing votes.

A delegation including MK Almog Cohen, former Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar, and attorney Lior Katzav met with party leaders on behalf of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Following the talks, the party stated it would not run, with its voter base expected to support Likud or Otzma Yehudit.

In an official statement, the party emphasized that its goals had been achieved and that it prioritized national unity and the future of the state. The Prime Minister's Office reportedly agreed to advance key principles concerning social welfare, traditional education, and the enlistment framework.