Ultra-Orthodox Party Reportedly Ordered to Negotiate with "Change Bloc"

Rabbi Dov Lando has reportedly instructed members of the United Torah Judaism party to initiate talks with the "Change Bloc," aiming to "settle the status of yeshiva students." The directive, first reported by journalist Yishai Cohen, emphasizes that the party does not belong to any political bloc but rather to the "bloc of the Torah world."

This development follows a report from N12 suggesting that United Torah Judaism might be open to supporting a "change government" led by Gadi Eisenkot, potentially breaking from the Netanyahu bloc. Sources within the party indicated they are prepared to support such a government from the outside, stating their "fingers are not in Netanyahu's pocket" and that their alliance with him has expired, especially given his lack of a 61-seat majority.

In exchange for support, United Torah Judaism is reportedly seeking coordination on budgets and the sensitive issue of Haredi conscription. While acknowledging that Eisenkot may not be able to deliver their ideal conscription law, they are open to a "difficult" formula that allows them to "live with it" and avoid becoming an opposition force.

These reported directives align with previous statements by United Torah Judaism Chairman Yaakov Asher, who stated before the elections that the party was only focused on the "bloc of Torah" and not on political blocs. However, Asher's office issued a statement denying that any such directive was given, adding that they had not yet met with "great rabbis" since the elections.