Yachad Party: History and Political Evolution
The Yachad party emerged from a period of significant internal friction within the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) political landscape of Israel. Established on December 15, 2014, the party was born out of a rift between Eli Yishai, a former leader of the Shas party, and the current Shas leader, Aryeh Deri. This conflict intensified following the passing of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, who had served as the spiritual guide for Shas.
Early in its formation, the party attracted figures from various religious wings, including Yoni Chetboun, a member of the Chardal wing of religious Zionism (a movement combining Haredi adherence with Zionist beliefs), who joined on December 14, 2014. The party's spiritual guidance is provided by Rabbi Meir Mazuz, the dean of the Kisse Rahamim yeshivah.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Founded: December 15, 2014.
- Founder: Eli Yishai.
- Spiritual Leader: Rabbi Meir Mazuz.
- Primary Cause: A leadership split between Eli Yishai and Aryeh Deri.
- Electoral Status: Failed to cross the 3.25% threshold in the 2015 elections.
The Struggle for Electoral Success
The 2015 Election Cycle
The party's identity was fluid in its early days; the name "Yachad" was not finalized until the candidate list was submitted for the 2015 elections. Previous suggestions included Maran and HaAm Itanu (The Nation is with Us).
In an effort to secure seats in the Knesset (the Israeli parliament), Yachad formed a joint list with the far-right Otzma Yehudit on January 29, 2015. This alliance was controversial, drawing criticism from Haredi activists who argued that the late Rabbi Ovadia Yosef would never have sanctioned a partnership with Kahanists. Ultimately, the party failed to reach the minimum 3.25% electoral threshold and did not gain any representation in the Knesset.
The 2019 Political Maneuvers
By February 2019, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attempted to broker a larger alliance between Yachad, Otzma Yehudit, The Jewish Home, and Tkuma. While Yishai was promised a cabinet position, the deal collapsed due to several conditions. Bezalel Smotrich (Tkuma) and Rafi Peretz (Jewish Home) demanded that Rabbi Meir Mazuz publish a letter supporting the alliance and that the parties remain united after the election.
Rabbi Mazuz opposed the post-election union, reportedly due to the inclusion of female candidates on the lists of the other parties. Additionally, Yishai claimed that Aryeh Deri threatened to veto his cabinet appointment. Consequently, Yishai announced that Yachad would run independently.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Withdrawals and Later Negotiations
On March 27, 2019, Eli Yishai withdrew Yachad from the April elections and endorsed United Torah Judaism (UTJ). This endorsement was made in exchange for UTJ advocating for Yishai's appointment to a role managing Haredi housing. Yishai later alleged that Netanyahu had engineered this move by promising a ministerial post if UTJ secured more than eight seats.
Yachad did not contest the September 2019 elections. Subsequent attempts to join UTJ failed after Netanyahu clarified that no ministerial appointment would be offered to Yishai. This led Yishai to enter talks with Otzma Yehudit. Finally, prior to the 2020 legislative election, The Jewish Home attempted to negotiate an alliance with Yachad, but Yishai's terms were rejected.
Yachad Party Summary
| Period/Event | Key Action/Outcome | Primary Partner/Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 Foundation | Party established after Shas rift | Eli Yishai vs. Aryeh Deri |
| 2015 Election | Failed to meet 3.25% threshold | Otzma Yehudit (Joint List) |
| Early 2019 | Failed alliance negotiations | Jewish Home & Tkuma |
| April 2019 | Withdrawal from election | Endorsed UTJ |
| 2020 Election | Rejected alliance terms | The Jewish Home |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Yachad party formed?
The party was established in December 2014 following a major disagreement between Eli Yishai and Aryeh Deri after the death of Shas's spiritual leader, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef.
Who is the spiritual leader of Yachad?
The party's spiritual leader is Rabbi Meir Mazuz, who serves as the dean of the Kisse Rahamim yeshivah.
Why did the 2019 alliance with The Jewish Home and Tkuma fail?
The deal collapsed because Rabbi Meir Mazuz opposed remaining united after the election due to the presence of female candidates on the other parties' lists, and Eli Yishai claimed Aryeh Deri threatened to veto his cabinet appointment.
Did Yachad ever win seats in the Knesset?
No, the party failed to reach the 3.25% electoral threshold in the 2015 elections and did not secure representation in the parliament.
What was the relationship between Yachad and United Torah Judaism (UTJ)?
In March 2019, Eli Yishai withdrew Yachad from the elections to endorse UTJ in exchange for support regarding a future government position dealing with Haredi housing.