Netanyahu May Lack Coalition Even With 61 Seats Amid Draft Law Demands
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hopes the draft law can be passed before a new government is formed, suggesting a compromise that balances Torah study with broader Haredi military service. Senior figures in the Haredi party United Torah Judaism, however, state they are not aligned with Netanyahu's bloc and will not enter coalition talks until the draft law is approved in three readings. They have also indicated a potential decision not to recommend any candidate for government formation. Netanyahu warned that Haredi non-recommendation could lead to a left-wing government, while Haredi parties view the draft law's passage as an absolute precondition for joining any coalition.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Haredi parties demand draft law approval in three readings before coalition talks, stating they are not in Netanyahu's bloc.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu wishes the draft law could pass before government formation, proposing a balanced arrangement.
- Senior Haredi sources indicate a decision not to recommend any candidate for government formation.
- Netanyahu warns that Haredi non-recommendation could enable a left-wing government.
- Haredi parties consider the draft law's passage an ironclad condition for joining a government.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed a desire for the draft law to be passed before the formation of a new government, stating "I wish we could do it." He suggested that a new arrangement could be reached to preserve Torah study while allowing for broader Haredi enlistment in the IDF. Netanyahu noted that some Haredim already volunteer for service, citing the Netzah Yehuda battalion and tailored service tracks. He warned that actions against draft-dodging Haredim could harm a developing consensual process, emphasizing a distinction between those dedicated to Torah study and those who are not.
However, senior figures in the Haredi party United Torah Judaism have rejected the assumption that their mandates automatically align with Netanyahu's bloc. A senior official stated, "He doesn't have us. We are not in his bloc, nor in the other bloc." The party insists that Haredi parties will not enter coalition negotiations with any bloc or party until a draft law is approved in three readings. Another Haredi source indicated a current decision not to recommend a candidate to the president for government formation, though Shas is expected to recommend Netanyahu, and United Torah Judaism may face pressure to do so.
A senior Haredi figure explained their stance: "We bought the promises, we saw how much written and signed agreements in coalition agreements are worth." They stated their maximum commitment would be not to support a no-confidence vote in the first Knesset session, suggesting Netanyahu could form a minority government with other right-wing parties. "Only after a draft law passes here, can we talk about joining the government. This is the price and it is an ironclad condition for us."
Netanyahu cautioned that Haredi abstention from recommending him could facilitate a left-leaning government, emphasizing a "common destiny" between the Haredi and Likud communities due to shared Jewish heritage. He acknowledged Haredi frustration over the previous government's failure to pass the draft law but reiterated the goal of a long-term arrangement. The critical question remains whether such an arrangement can be passed before government formation, a commitment Netanyahu did not make, while Haredi parties consider it a non-negotiable prerequisite for any coalition talks.
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