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From draft exemptions to education and public funding, the party of Begin is increasingly embracing a worldview at odds with its Zionist roots
The sight of Haredim streaming to the polls in last week’s Likud primaries points to a deeper and troubling trend: Likud, Israel’s long-ruling party, is changing its character and values, becoming an ideological offshoot of Shas and edging ever closer to United Torah Judaism. In speeches by its MKs, in the legislation and policies it advances, and now in the dramatic Haredi presence among party members and primary voters, Haredi ideology is steadily taking over Likud. Choosing a less Zionist path and preferring Haredi values is a legitimate political choice. But Israel’s ruling party should at least be candid with the public about the transformation it is undergoing.
At several polling stations in last week’s Likud primaries, black and white were the dominant colors. This was especially striking at Jerusalem polling places near Haredi neighborhoods, including the International Convention Center, but Haredi voters were prominent elsewhere as well.
It is hard to know exactly how many Haredim joined Likud and voted in the primaries. Reasonable estimates, based on claims by leading Haredi membership organizers and turnout at heavily Haredi polling stations, put the number at about 10,000 – roughly 14% of all primary voters. Past election results suggest that despite holding Likud membership, almost none of them will actually vote Likud in a general election. Most joined the party and voted in its primary not because they support Likud, but because someone paid them – either in cash or with the promise of heavenly reward. The result is substantial Haredi influence over the ruling party, not through elected representatives but through the back door.
