The editorial board of HaDerech, the newspaper affiliated with the Shas movement, launched a blistering attack on Israel’s emerging political parties and several prominent politicians, arguing that excluding the Chareidi parties from government has become the unifying goal of a new generation of self-described “value right” leaders.

Published under the headline, “Whoever Distresses Israel Becomes a Leader,” the editorial contends that the common denominator among the new political initiatives is a determination to form a governing coalition without the participation of the Chareidi parties.

“In these days, new parties are springing up like mushrooms after the rain, such as those of Trooper, Hendel, Gilad Erdan, Yuli Edelstein, Ayelet Shaked and others like them. And what are they offering?” the editorial asks. According to the paper, “These are ‘value right’ figures who shifted toward the center solely to detach themselves from the bloc aligned with the Chareidim. ‘We will establish a Zionist government without Chareidim and Arabs,’ they pledge, while declaring Yair Golan to be a worthy and preferred partner. Indeed, a worthy and principled partner for the people of the ‘value right.'”

The editorial also argues that Gadi Eisenkot’s political rise has not been fueled by a new diplomatic vision or economic platform.

“If we try to trace the reason for Gadi Eisenkot’s success—from a gray and nearly marginal political figure to someone leading the left-wing bloc and claiming the mantle of prime minister—we will not find any new diplomatic or economic doctrine, an inspiring platform or a revolutionary agenda that should capture the nation’s heart,” the editorial states.

Instead, the paper claims Eisenkot’s popularity stems from a different source.

“The primary reason for his success is simple: he promises to fulfill his voters’ instinct of hatred toward the other bloc and bring about its downfall.”

The editorial further argues that Eisenkot “doesn’t have to do much,” asserting that it is enough for him “to build his electoral prospects on hatred toward the Chareidim and wave it proudly.”

The newspaper also criticized former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, accusing him of intensifying anti-Chareidi rhetoric in an effort to revive his political standing.

“And then comes Bennett, the man who already reached the summit and experiences political decline every week—and goes crazy. Hatred of Chareidim? I know how to do that even better. And just like that, his entire platform becomes a horrifying campaign of incitement against Torah learners.”

The editorial also took aim at Avigdor Liberman and Yair Golan.

“And what about Liberman? After all, he was the one who invented the method when he sent the Chareidim to the garbage dump in wheelbarrows. That man certainly doesn’t need to be taught how to incite or cultivate hatred toward the Chareidi public. And Yair Golan? Well, he’s the one who ‘identifies processes,’ who called the believing public ‘eaters of death,’ and now also promises to deal with the ‘parasites’.”

At the heart of the editorial is the claim that opposition to the Chareidi community has become one of the few issues capable of uniting much of Israel’s political establishment.

“Thus, the Chareidi public has become the new consensus in Israeli politics. Nearly all party leaders, who frequently speak loftily about national unity, are united on one thing: unity without Chareidim. Hatred of the Chareidi public has become the most sought-after political commodity on the market.”

The editorial goes on to cite the teaching of Chazal, “Whoever distresses Israel becomes a leader,” arguing that while the statement historically referred to Israel’s enemies, there have also been internal opponents throughout Jewish history who sought to weaken Torah and those who dedicate themselves to its study.

The piece concludes by urging the Chareidi public to remain steadfast in its faith and commitment to Torah despite the political climate.

“We have nothing to do but continue on our path, with faith and trust, knowing that ‘Hashem will fight for you, and you shall remain silent.’ That is how it has been throughout the generations, and that is how it will be this time as well.”

{Matzav.com}