Ultra-Orthodox Party Instructed to Negotiate with "Change Bloc"
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Rabbi Dov Lando has reportedly directed the United Torah Judaism party to begin talks with the "Change Bloc" to regulate the status of yeshiva students. The party is reportedly willing to support a new government from the outside in exchange for concessions on conscription and budgets. Sources within the party expressed dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Netanyahu. However, UTJ Chairman Yaakov Asher denied that any directive had been issued.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Dov Lando reportedly ordered United Torah Judaism to negotiate with the "Change Bloc."
- The primary goal of the talks is to "regulate the status of yeshiva students."
- UTJ is reportedly willing to support a new government from the outside.
- The party seeks concessions on conscription and budgets in exchange for support.
- UTJ Chairman Yaakov Asher denied that any directive had been given.
Rabbi Dov Lando has reportedly instructed members of the United Torah Judaism (UTJ) party, specifically those from the Degel HaTorah faction, to initiate talks with the "Change Bloc." The primary objective of these discussions is to "regulate the status of yeshiva students," according to a report by journalist Yishai Cohen.
This development follows earlier reports suggesting that UTJ might be open to supporting a "change government" from the outside. Sources within the party indicated a willingness to break from the Netanyahu bloc and provide external backing for a new government, emphasizing that their "fingers are not in Netanyahu's pocket." They are reportedly seeking a conscription arrangement that, while difficult, could be acceptable in exchange for their support.
UTJ is reportedly seeking coordination on budgets and the sensitive issue of ultra-Orthodox conscription. While acknowledging that Gadi Eisenkot may not be able to deliver their ideal conscription law, they are open to a "difficult" formula, believing that behind-the-scenes negotiations could lead to a law that is both effective for the government and livable for the ultra-Orthodox community.
Sources within UTJ expressed frustration with Prime Minister Netanyahu, stating that they have received nothing from him and that their alliance is exhausted, especially given his lack of a 61-seat majority. They aim to regain influence in the Knesset. Another faction within the party warned against joining an "opposition wilderness" if a unity government is formed.
These reported directives align with previous statements by UTJ Chairman Yaakov Asher, who before the elections stated the party was not focused on blocs but solely on the "bloc of the Torah world." However, Asher's office issued a statement denying that any such directive had been given, adding that the party had not yet met with senior rabbis since the elections.
