Ultra-Orthodox Parties May Seek New Alliance Post-Election
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Ultra-Orthodox parties, particularly United Torah Judaism, are considering aligning with Gadi Eisenkot instead of Benjamin Netanyahu after the upcoming elections due to unmet demands regarding yeshiva student conscription. This potential shift aims to increase their leverage with Netanyahu, though a coalition with Eisenkot faces significant policy differences on military service. Both Netanyahu and Eisenkot face challenges in forming a stable government that satisfies the ultra-Orthodox demands without alienating other coalition partners or their voter bases.
The story in 7 lines · by baba
- Ultra-Orthodox parties may seek an alliance with Gadi Eisenkot if Benjamin Netanyahu fails to form a government.
- Frustration over the failure to pass legislation for yeshiva student conscription fuels the potential shift.
- United Torah Judaism is exploring options to increase its political leverage in coalition negotiations.
- Eisenkot's proposed conscription law presents significant differences from ultra-Orthodox demands.
- Netanyahu faces pressure from his base if he offers too many concessions to the ultra-Orthodox.
- Internal divisions within the ultra-Orthodox parties complicate decision-making.
- Further elections are a possibility if no coalition agreement is reached.
Ultra-Orthodox parties, particularly United Torah Judaism, are reportedly considering shifting their political allegiance away from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the upcoming elections. This potential move stems from frustration with Netanyahu's government, which, despite being perceived as favorable to the ultra-Orthodox, failed to pass legislation to regulate the status of yeshiva students. This issue, concerning exemption from military service, has been a long-standing demand that was not met during the past four years.
The current political climate, where the formation of a government might hinge on narrow margins, has created an opening for such considerations. United Torah Judaism is exploring the possibility of supporting a government led by Gadi Eisenkot, especially if neither Netanyahu nor the "change bloc" can secure a clear majority. This strategy is seen as a way to pressure Netanyahu into offering better terms, as the mere possibility of an alternative alliance increases the ultra-Orthodox parties' leverage.
However, any potential deal with Eisenkot faces significant hurdles. Eisenkot himself has proposed a broad conscription law with strict sanctions for draft dodgers and a limited exemption for top scholars. This plan is far from the demands of United Torah Judaism, and any compromise would also need the approval of other potential coalition partners like Avigdor Lieberman, Naftali Bennett, and Yair Golan, who have their own stringent views on military service.
Netanyahu, on the other hand, can potentially offer more concessions without needing to appease these other figures. Yet, even he faces a dilemma, as overly generous terms to the ultra-Orthodox could alienate his right-wing base, many of whom serve in the military. The issue of military conscription has become too prominent to be buried in coalition agreements.
Ultimately, United Torah Judaism aims to leverage its voting bloc to secure its demands, whether through supporting a new government or by increasing its bargaining power with Netanyahu. The party is divided internally, making any decision complex. The possibility of further elections looms if no agreement is reached, a scenario the ultra-Orthodox parties wish to avoid due to the ongoing lack of resolution on the conscription issue.
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