Senior Ultra-Orthodox Figure Says There Is No Deal With Netanyahu, Expects to Work With Eisenkot

A senior ultra-Orthodox political figure launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich in comments aired Friday night on Channel 12's "Ulpan Shishi." He said there is no remaining agreement with Netanyahu over the Basic Law on Torah study, accusing the prime minister of dragging the talks out for four years and claiming, "There is no deal with Netanyahu, he has been stringing us along for four years." He also said Netanyahu fears public opinion and has lost control of his own people.

The source said the ultra-Orthodox parties backed Netanyahu despite their own principles and values. He also asserted that ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Smotrich are the ones effectively steering Netanyahu. According to him, the ultra-Orthodox do not want unnecessary wars, especially not a confrontation with the United States.

He reserved his harshest criticism for Smotrich, saying, "The state and its residents do not interest Smotrich. Not the south and not the north, only his settlements." The attack came alongside a message that the ultra-Orthodox believe they can work with opposition figure Gadi Eisenkot. He said they would not be able to work with Naftali Bennett, but could with Eisenkot.

Separately, a senior opposition source criticized Blue and White leader Benny Gantz, amid reports that Gantz may join forces with Yoaz Hendel and Dedi Shmihi. The source told Channel 12 that Gantz is staging a "mask ball," calling the move a "kamikaze act" done for Netanyahu's benefit. He accused Gantz of using the language of unity to exploit a real public need while seeking revenge on Hili, Gadi and Yair Lapid and preserving Netanyahu's rule.