Ultra-Orthodox Parties Could Regain Political Kingmaker Status
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS by baba
Ultra-Orthodox parties may regain kingmaker status following the 2026 election results, potentially enabling the "change bloc" to form a coalition. This hinges on opposition member Gadi Eisenkot breaking a promise regarding a strict conscription law. If successful, the ultra-Orthodox parties could join the government, but their influence will grow regardless.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ultra-Orthodox parties may become kingmakers again after the 2026 election results.
- Gadi Eisenkot might need to break a promise on a strict conscription law.
- The ultra-Orthodox bloc holds 15 Knesset seats.
- They could enable the "change bloc" to form a coalition government.
- Their influence will increase even if they don't join a coalition.
Preliminary results from the 2026 elections suggest that ultra-Orthodox parties may once again become kingmakers in Israel's political system. For this to happen, opposition member Gadi Eisenkot would need to break a campaign promise. The ultra-Orthodox parties, holding 15 Knesset seats, are hoping Eisenkot will renege on his commitment to enact a strict conscription law.
If Eisenkot's bloc were to support such a law, the ultra-Orthodox parties could enable the "change bloc" to form a coalition government. In this scenario, they could initially support the coalition from the outside, facilitate the passage of the conscription law, and eventually join the government, receiving ministerial portfolios, budgets, and positions.
Even if this specific scenario doesn't materialize, the ultra-Orthodox parties' leverage will increase. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would likely find himself needing to court their support, making them highly sought-after political partners.
