Israeli Ultra-Orthodox Parties Await Final Tallies Following Exit Polls
Israeli ultra-Orthodox parties await final election results as exit polls show Shas securing six to eight mandates and United Torah Judaism holding steady. The new HaTzibur HaHaredi faction failed to cross the electoral threshold.
Israel's ultra-Orthodox parties are bracing for the true ballot counts following mixed exit poll results in the general elections. Shas, led by Aryeh Deri, projected differing figures across networks, securing eight mandates according to Israeli media and six in polls by Channel 13 and Kan 11. Following the broadcasts, Shas dismantled its headquarters without a live address from Deri, who instead issued a written statement.
"The exit poll results show significant discrepancies, requiring us to await the authentic final tallies," Deri stated. "Based on the data in our possession, Shas will present a strong outcome reflecting the tremendous groundwork accomplished in the field. Dear activists, you worked tirelessly, and your efforts bore fruit. Rest well, and tomorrow morning we will awaken to the true results."
Meanwhile, United Torah Judaism leadership convened behind closed doors for an extended period at their Bnei Brak offices before addressing dozens of waiting supporters, with newly appointed leader MK Yaakov Asher holding the hand of his predecessor Moshe Gafni. Despite visible disappointment among activists over the exit polls, MK Asher declared victory to the crowd: "The Torah has triumphed. Everyone wrote us off, chipped away at us, and tried to harm us without success. This is a massive victory for us."
Outgoing chairman Gafni added: "We heard the incitement against Torah scholars and Haredi education. The Supreme Court, the Attorney General, and others spoke against us. I worried about the election outcome and feared the results. I congratulate the new members entering the Knesset." MK Meir Porush emphasized the party's enduring strength, noting that over 300,000 votes were cast for United Torah Judaism.
In contrast, the newly formed HaTzibur HaHaredi party, which sought to challenge the traditional Haredi establishment, failed to cross the electoral threshold according to exit polls. Nevertheless, chairman Moti Leitner maintained an optimistic stance, telling supporters: "The barrier of fear has been broken, and a spark of hope has been ignited. This evening marks the beginning of a long journey and stands as our victory in the face of threats and hostility."
