Ultra-Orthodox Party Proposes Minority Government Backed by Them
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Sources within United Torah Judaism (UTJ) are proposing a minority government led by Gadi Eisenkot, with UTJ providing external support and abstaining from votes. The party feels its alliance with Prime Minister Netanyahu is over and seeks to regain influence in the Knesset. Key issues include Haredi conscription exemptions and funding for religious institutions. Low-level contacts are ongoing, with hopes for more serious negotiations to potentially install Eisenkot as Prime Minister.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ultra-Orthodox UTJ proposes minority government led by Gadi Eisenkot with their external support.
- UTJ would abstain from votes and not oppose legislation under the proposed framework.
- A UTJ source stated their alliance with Netanyahu is exhausted and they seek to be decisive.
- The proposal aims to address Haredi conscription exemptions and preserve funding for religious institutions.
- Current contacts are at a low level, but UTJ hopes for serious negotiations soon.
Sources within the ultra-Orthodox party United Torah Judaism (UTJ) are proposing the formation of a minority government led by Gadi Eisenkot, with their party providing external support. Under this proposed framework, UTJ would remain outside the government but would abstain from votes and refrain from opposing government legislation. This move aims to position UTJ as a decisive factor in the Knesset, particularly concerning the contentious issue of military conscription exemptions for Haredim.
According to the proposal, UTJ would not join the government directly but would ensure Eisenkot's bloc has enough votes to pass legislation. This would be bolstered by the eight votes from the Ra'am party, potentially giving Eisenkot's bloc a slim majority. A source from UTJ stated to N12, "Our alliance with Netanyahu is exhausted. We will do only what we think is good for the Haredi public." Another party source expressed concern about being relegated to opposition if a unity government is formed.
The proposal aligns with a letter from Lithuanian leader Rabbi Dov Landau in May, who declared a lack of trust in Prime Minister Netanyahu and stated that his followers were no longer obligated to him. UTJ's Chairman, MK Yaakov Asher, had previously emphasized focusing solely on their "Torah bloc" rather than broader political alliances. Senior Agudath Yisrael figure Moti Bapchik also indicated that loyalty to Netanyahu had ended.
While UTJ has significant interests in maintaining government ties, especially regarding conscription, they acknowledge that Eisenkot's bloc is unlikely to grant the broad exemption they seek. This presents a major obstacle to reaching an agreement. However, some within UTJ believe that behind-the-scenes negotiations could lead to a conscription law that is acceptable to both sides, preventing a complete breakdown in relations.
Beyond conscription, UTJ is also focused on preserving funding for its private education systems, yeshivas, and kollels. If the cooperation with Eisenkot's bloc materializes and the conscription legislation is resolved, UTJ might consider joining the government actively. Currently, contacts between the change bloc and UTJ are at a low level, and it remains unclear if the proposal has been formally presented to Eisenkot. UTJ hopes for more serious discussions soon that could lead to historic agreements and pave the way for Eisenkot's premiership.
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