Ultra-Orthodox Maneuvering to Legitimize, Analysts Claim
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Political commentators Amit Segal and Zion Nanous suggest that reports of the ultra-Orthodox party United Torah Judaism (UTJ) supporting a minority government led by Gadi Eisenkot are a strategic ploy to regain legitimacy and potentially disrupt opposition efforts. While UTJ officials confirm talks, they deem the prospects slim. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Netanyahu is meeting with right-wing ministers to counter potential left-wing government formations, and Avigdor Lieberman's stance on conscription remains a critical factor.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Commentators claim ultra-Orthodox party UTJ's support for Gadi Eisenkot's government is a strategic ploy.
- The maneuver aims to rebuild UTJ's public legitimacy and potentially disrupt opposition efforts.
- Analysts compare the situation to past political "tricks" designed to cause negotiation collapses.
- UTJ officials confirm talks but consider the chances of forming such a government very slim.
- Avigdor Lieberman's position on conscription is a key factor in the unfolding political scenario.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu is actively working to prevent the formation of a left-wing government.
Political commentator Amit Segal claims that recent reports of the ultra-Orthodox party United Torah Judaism (UTJ) being willing to support a minority government led by Gadi Eisenkot are a sophisticated maneuver to rebuild their public legitimacy, not a genuine intention. Segal suggested this move would later legitimize their partnership with the Likud party and criticized media figures promoting the story, calling them "absolute fools" for advancing a "surrender to the Haredim" without realizing they are being used.
Segal expressed particular surprise at Eisenkot's apparent willingness to engage, questioning if he understood that he was being subjected to the same "trick" that was played on Tzipi Livni in 2009. Another commentator, Zion Nanous, compared the situation to the "rotten trick" of 1990, suggesting the goal is to make the "change bloc" leaders abandon a key principle, collapse negotiations at the last minute, and force new elections with the change bloc leaders appearing opportunistic.
These analyses emerge amid intensive talks to form a minority government with UTJ's abstention. Reports indicate that senior figures in the change bloc are attempting to engineer a scenario where UTJ provides a safety net for Eisenkot in exchange for a softened conscription law and arrangements for yeshiva students. Senior UTJ officials confirmed that talks are ongoing through intermediaries, but the chances of such a move are considered very slim.
The central unknown in the political equation is Avigdor Lieberman's stance. He previously stated he would not sit with Benjamin Netanyahu, Tibi, Goldknopf, or Deri. However, the head of the Degel HaTorah faction of UTJ, Rabbi Dov Lando, has instructed his Knesset members to engage with the change bloc to arrange the status of yeshiva students, emphasizing their allegiance is to "the world of Torah" rather than any specific bloc.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met separately with Ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir to discuss preventing the formation of a left-wing government, reflecting concerns within the right-wing camp about the developing political maneuver. The change bloc, fearing UTJ might withdraw support at the last moment, is reportedly testing loyalties. The key question remains whether Lieberman will agree to rely on the Haredim and compromise on the conscription issue, with a senior Israel Beiteinu source stating that any government Lieberman joins will prioritize a universal conscription law.
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