Ultra-Orthodox Party Offers Support for Minority Government Led by Eisenkot
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Sources within the ultra-Orthodox party United Torah Judaism (UTJ) are proposing a minority government led by Gadi Eisenkot, offering external support. UTJ would abstain from votes, not oppose legislation, and potentially gain Ra'am's support. The party feels their alliance with Prime Minister Netanyahu is over and seeks to regain influence, particularly on the Haredi draft exemption. While significant obstacles remain, UTJ hopes for dialogue that could lead to Eisenkot's premiership.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- United Torah Judaism proposes external support for a minority government led by Gadi Eisenkot.
- UTJ would abstain from votes and not oppose legislation under the proposed framework.
- The party feels its alliance with Prime Minister Netanyahu is exhausted.
- Key issues for UTJ include the Haredi draft exemption and funding for private education.
- Discussions between UTJ and the change bloc are currently at a low level.
Sources within the ultra-Orthodox party United Torah Judaism (UTJ) are proposing a minority government led by Gadi Eisenkot, with their party offering external support. Under this proposed framework, UTJ would remain outside the government but would abstain from voting, ensuring they do not vote against the government or its legislation. This arrangement would also grant Eisenkot the support of Ra'am's eight Knesset members, should he choose to rely on them.
A UTJ source told N12 that their "alliance with Netanyahu is exhausted," expressing a desire to regain a decisive role in the Knesset. The party hopes to reach understandings with Eisenkot regarding the draft exemption law for Haredim, a significant issue for them. Currently, contacts between the "change bloc" and UTJ are at a low level.
Another UTJ source indicated that if a unity government is formed, they might face a "desert of opposition," a scenario they were not elected for. This sentiment aligns with a letter from Lithuanian leader Rabbi Dov Landau in May, who stated, "We have no trust in the Prime Minister, we no longer feel partners with him, we are not obligated to him, and we will henceforth do only what we think is good for the Haredi public."
UTJ Chairman Yaakov Asher had previously stated that the party was only focused on its own "Torah bloc," and senior Agudath Yisrael figure Moti Bapchik declared that loyalty to Netanyahu had ended. While UTJ has significant interests in maintaining government ties, particularly concerning the Haredi draft, they acknowledge that Eisenkot's bloc may not grant the full exemption they seek, posing a potential obstacle.
However, some within UTJ believe Eisenkot could facilitate a draft law that is acceptable to both sides. In such a scenario, Haredi MKs might protest but would likely not "break tools." Beyond the draft, UTJ also prioritizes maintaining funding for its private education systems, yeshivas, and kollels. If this cooperation materializes, UTJ might actively join the government after the draft legislation is finalized.
N12's investigation indicates that discussions are currently at a preliminary stage, and it is unclear if the proposal has been formally presented to Eisenkot. UTJ sources hope for more serious dialogue soon, potentially leading to historic agreements that could pave the way for Eisenkot's premiership and prevent the Haredi community from being in opposition.
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