United Haredi Parties Set Strict Conditions for Government Entry

Two ultra-Orthodox parties, Agudat Yisrael and Degel HaTorah, are finalizing a draft agreement for a joint Knesset run that outlines a rigid political stance on the conscription of yeshiva students. According to a report by 'B'hadrei Haredim', the agreement commits both factions to demand full exemption from IDF service for all yeshiva students, without any criminal or economic sanctions, in any future coalition negotiations. This marks a significant shift, particularly for Degel HaTorah, which had previously shown some openness to considering sanctions as part of arrangements to withstand High Court challenges.

To ensure this demand is met, the agreement includes strong political leverage mechanisms. Representatives from the parties will refuse to serve as ministers, deputy ministers, or Knesset committee chairs until legislation is passed that formalizes the status of Torah scholars. Furthermore, the parties will not support coalition bills, with only rare exceptions approved by their spiritual leadership.

Beyond political stipulations, the agreement establishes a new organizational framework for managing the joint faction. This includes forming a joint directorate to handle core issues such as religion and state, education, and the status of yeshiva students. Regular factional meetings will be held, attended by elected officials and candidates up to the 12th spot on the list. Decisions will require unanimous consent, not majority rule, and any disputes will be deferred to an agreed-upon arbitration panel.