United Torah Judaism Rules Out Supporting Any Government Without Haredi Draft Law

United Torah Judaism Chairman MK Yaakov Asher has issued a firm statement clarifying the party's stance on potential government formations, asserting that they will not support any government that does not address the status of Torah scholars. This declaration comes amidst swirling reports suggesting internal deliberations within the Gur Hasidic faction regarding potential support for a government led by Gadi Eisenkot.

Asher explicitly rejected speculation that Gur might withhold support from an Eisenkot-led government due to personal or political considerations. He emphasized that the party's sole guiding principle is the directive from senior rabbinical leadership, which mandates that United Torah Judaism will not join or support any government without the issue of Torah scholars' status being resolved. "United Torah Judaism has no desire to topple or crown anyone, and we do not act out of revenge or other interests," Asher stated forcefully.

The party chairman's clarification follows recent reports indicating that senior figures within Agudat Yisrael had suggested that MK Yitzhak Goldknopf would abstain from voting against a minority government led by Eisenkot, rather than actively oppose it. This report had fueled speculation about a potential "bloc break" from Prime Minister Netanyahu and significant anger directed at him.

Goldknopf himself addressed the reports, reiterating that Agudat Yisrael would not support the establishment of any government, nor provide external assistance, without the status of yeshiva students being regulated and a conscription law being enacted without sanctions or quotas. The party's position centers on ensuring the exemption of Torah students from mandatory military service.