Coalition Weighs Polling Station Measures as Netanyahu Pressures Haredi Rival
As Israeli elections approach, coalition circles weigh steps regarding veiled women at polling stations while negotiating with Haredi parties to withdraw, amid opposition pushback.
Coalition figures are discussing potential measures regarding veiled women at polling stations in Arab communities, citing identification concerns ahead of the upcoming elections. Sources close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated discussions on monitoring, while the opposition expressed fears of voter suppression.
Meanwhile, opposition factions have reportedly engaged with prominent figures in the Haredi community to execute quiet campaigns aimed at dampening turnout among ultra-Orthodox voters. These maneuvers unfold as Netanyahu intensifies efforts to consolidate the right-wing bloc.
Yesterday, reports revealed that Netanyahu, alongside Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and the "Religious Zionism" party, has been conducting intensive talks with Moti Leitner, leader of the "HaTzibur HaHaredi Party", urging him to withdraw from the race 12 days before the vote.
Despite the pressure from the coalition, Leitner made it clear that he intends to run until the end and that current proposals regarding his withdrawal remain irrelevant to his political plans.
