Ultra-Orthodox leaders slam Bennett over 'reducing haredi political influence' comments

• Published date: 12 October 2021
• Author: JEREMY SHARON
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

"Israel without the religious aspect would not be an Israel I want, because we are the Jewish state. I am happy there are haredim, but we need to limit their political sway," said Bennett as part of his explanation of the current dynamics of Israel's politics.

His comments were seized upon by ultra-Orthodox political leaders who vowed that Bennett would soon be removed from power with the help of the haredi parties.

Some elements in the current coalition are still eager to bring the ultra-Orthodox parties into the government so as not to be reliant on Meretz and the Arab Ra'am Party, but reforms on religious issues such as kashrut (kosher certification) and conversion, as well as harsh rhetoric on both sides are making such a move ever harder.

"An illegitimate prime minister with six seats, who in all the polls is barely passing the electoral threshold and only represents himself, wants to limit the influence of the ultra-Orthodox [parties] who represent a million people," Shas leader MK Arye Deri declared on Twitter.

"The day will come when a government will be established which will represent the will of the people, including the...