Ultra-Orthodox Parties Face Difficult Choices After Election
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Senior figures in Israel's Degel HaTorah party anticipate ultra-Orthodox parties may sit outside the government for at least eight months after the upcoming elections. Regardless of whether the "Change bloc" or the "Netanyahu bloc" wins, Haredi parties face difficult coalition negotiations, especially concerning the conscription law. While the right-wing bloc offers a natural alliance, the "Change bloc," despite a pragmatic stance from Gadi Eisenkot, includes parties strongly opposed to Haredi conscription.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Degel HaTorah officials predict ultra-Orthodox parties may be outside government for at least 8 months post-election.
- Haredi parties face difficult choices regardless of whether the "Change bloc" or "Netanyahu bloc" wins.
- A key issue for coalition talks is the controversial conscription law for ultra-Orthodox men.
- Senior Degel HaTorah figures recommend supporting a government from the outside.
- Gadi Eisenkot's "Yashar!" party offers a more pragmatic approach to Haredi conscription.
- Partners in the "Change bloc" have made opposing Haredi conscription a central campaign issue.
Senior figures within the Degel HaTorah party have indicated that ultra-Orthodox parties may face a prolonged period outside of government, potentially for at least eight months, regardless of the election outcome. With the upcoming 26th Knesset elections less than two weeks away, both the "Change bloc" and the "Netanyahu bloc" are seen as presenting complex challenges for the Haredi political parties.
While a traditional alliance with the right-wing bloc seems natural, concerns exist about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ability to fulfill commitments, particularly regarding the highly contentious conscription law. Senior Degel HaTorah officials stated their recommendation to the "Gedolei Yisrael" (great rabbis of Israel) would be to support a government from the outside, with the specific party to be supported depending on the election results.
The right-wing bloc, including parties like Likud, is expected to present a united front with the two ultra-Orthodox parties, potentially offering a conscription law within existing frameworks. However, the "Change bloc" presents a different set of challenges. While former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, leading the "Yashar!" party, has expressed a more pragmatic approach, suggesting exemptions and civil service options, his bloc includes partners whose campaigns have centered on opposing Haredi conscription, demanding core curriculum studies, and eliminating stipends.
This dynamic makes it difficult for the "Change bloc" to offer a compromise acceptable to Haredi leadership, unless the ultra-Orthodox parties are willing to make significant and painful concessions, understanding the risk of losing everything.
