New Haredi party could shake up Shas and UTJ

According to a report by Israel's Channel 13, Haredi politician Moti Babchik met last week with a group of hard-line rabbis to discuss the formation of a new political party. The initiative aims to compete with the established Shas and United Torah Judaism parties in the upcoming elections. The emerging party, currently operating under the name 'Black Ink,' intends to place opposition to the drafting of yeshiva students into the Israel Defense Forces at the center of its platform. The group seeks to restore the model allowing yeshiva students to defer military service for full-time Torah study without facing sanctions. The organizers reportedly aim for rabbinic leadership rather than established political figures, intending to field rabbis as candidates. Preliminary polling suggests the party could attract tens of thousands of voters, including younger Haredim and those who previously supported existing Haredi parties. If the initiative proceeds, it could significantly alter the political balance within Israel's Haredi community.