Ultra-Orthodox Parties Demand Concessions on Draft Law

Senior officials from ultra-Orthodox parties have declared their unwavering commitment to ensuring the legal status of yeshiva students, stating they will no longer compromise on this issue. They assert that their sole purpose in running for the Knesset is to safeguard Torah scholars and the world of Torah study, a mission they attribute to their rabbinical leaders. These officials emphasized that they are not interested in political positions or honors, viewing them as insignificant compared to the importance of Torah study.

In a clear ultimatum, the parties have informed potential coalition partners that they will not support any government, even through abstention, without explicit and practical legislation addressing the draft law for yeshiva students. They have vowed not to repeat past mistakes and have stated that this is a non-negotiable red line. They are running in elections specifically to regulate the status of yeshiva students and will openly declare this as their reason.

Sources indicate an agreement with Benjamin Netanyahu, who reportedly promised that if he secures a majority of 61 seats, the draft law would be the first piece of legislation passed by his government. This assurance suggests a departure from previous compromises, with Netanyahu understanding the parties' firm stance and conveying a similar message through the ultra-Orthodox media.

Shas Chairman Arie Deri reiterated that his party will not participate in or support any government unless the status of yeshiva students is legislated, citing the ongoing threat of arrests for Torah scholars. He stated that this is in line with the directives of his movement's late spiritual leader, who instructed them to do everything possible to ensure continuous Torah study.

United Torah Judaism Chairman Yaakov Asher also issued a stern ultimatum, declaring his party will not join or support any future coalition without the actual legislation of the draft law for yeshiva students. He stressed that this is a definitive condition, and they will not enter any government that does not pass this law first.

Meir Porush, Chairman of 'Shlomei Emunim', pledged that his party will not agree to postpone the draft law's legislation. He stated that they will not support coalition legislation until this matter is resolved, assuring voters that if they elect United Torah Judaism, no government will be formed without the draft law being passed.