Ultra-Orthodox Party to Negotiate with Opposition Bloc

Following the official release of the 26th Knesset election results, political parties are actively working to form a new government. Rabbi Dov Landau, a prominent Rosh Yeshiva, has instructed the Knesset members of the Degel HaTorah party to engage in discussions with the "change bloc" (opposition). The directive emphasizes making every effort to "arrange the status of yeshiva students," with Landau stating, "We are not in anyone's bloc; we are in the bloc of the world of Torah." This directive comes amidst a political stalemate, as neither the Netanyahu bloc nor the opposition bloc secured the 61 seats needed for a majority. The right-wing bloc garnered 53 seats, while the "Izencott bloc" reached 48 seats, potentially rising to 56 with the support of the Arab Ra'am party.

Earlier on Friday, Yesh Atid Chairman Yair Lapid declared victory for the change bloc in the elections and confirmed ongoing behind-the-scenes discussions for government formation, likening the process to a watchmaker meticulously assembling a timepiece. Meanwhile, within the Netanyahu bloc, coalition talks have also commenced. Otzma Yehudit announced that Minister Ben Gvir and Prime Minister Netanyahu met to discuss "how to preserve the right-wing government and prevent the establishment of a left-wing government supported by terror supporters."