Netanyahu and Haredi parties reach deal tied to a possible October 20 election date

After a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Shas leader Aryeh Deri and Degel HaTorah chairman Moshe Gafni said Netanyahu made clear that he is “committed” to advancing a legislative package sought by the ultra-Orthodox parties. The package includes a Basic Law on Torah study and a freeze on arrests of draft evaders.

According to Deri and Gafni, Netanyahu told them he would work to move the bills forward quickly. The statement followed talks over a possible agreement that would also set an election date, with October 20 emerging as the likely date.

The reported understanding links the election timetable to progress on the legislation demanded by the Haredi parties. No further details on the text of the bills or the status of the talks were provided in the source.