The two parties that have run together for decades have been fighting in recent years, culminating in the October 30 municipal election where they ran against each other in cities such as Jerusalem and Haifa.If the parties run separately, it is possible that one might not pass the 3.25% electoral threshold, and even if they both pass, whoever forms the next government could decide to leave one or both of them out, harming the interest of the haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community in Israel.
However, Litzman said the request is a well-known and coordinated procedure between the factions, which would not impact how they run.