Top Rabbi Directs Ultra-Orthodox Lawmakers to Negotiate with Opposition

Rabbi Dov Lando, a prominent Lithuanian ultra-Orthodox rabbi and Rosh Yeshiva, has issued a directive to Knesset members from the Degel HaTorah party, instructing them to engage in discussions with members of the "change bloc" (opposition parties). The primary goal of these talks is to regulate the status of yeshiva students, a key issue for the ultra-Orthodox community. Rabbi Lando emphasized that their allegiance is solely to the world of Torah, not to any specific political bloc, stating, "We are not in anyone's bloc, we are in the bloc of the Torah world."

This instruction comes amid intensive negotiations for forming a minority government, which could involve Yahadut HaTorah abstaining from key votes. Senior figures in the change bloc are reportedly exploring a complex political maneuver where Yahadut HaTorah would provide a "safety net" for Gadi Eisenkot, potentially reducing the Netanyahu bloc's numbers and increasing Eisenkot's. The price for Yahadut HaTorah's abstention is reportedly an agreed-upon conscription law and the regulation of yeshiva students' status.

While senior Yahadut HaTorah officials confirmed that talks are underway through intermediaries, they assess the chances of success as very slim. Avigdor Lieberman, leader of Yisrael Beiteinu, has stated he will not sit in a government with Netanyahu or any ultra-Orthodox parties, directly contradicting the idea of relying on them. A senior Yisrael Beiteinu source reiterated Lieberman's stance, declaring that a universal conscription law with no exemptions would be the first priority in any government they join, even at the cost of new elections.

Conversely, a senior Knesset member from the change bloc indicated that, given the election results and ongoing negotiations, the bloc is seriously considering compromises on the conscription issue to form a government, noting that the public did not vote against the ultra-Orthodox. There are also claims within Yahadut HaTorah that if the conscription issue is resolved, Shas would join the move. Current projections show the existing coalition with 53 mandates against 48 for the change bloc. Recent meetings between opposition leaders, including Gadi Eisenkot and Avigdor Lieberman, have focused on continuing their cooperation.