Ultra-Orthodox Party Explores Backing Eisenkot Government Over Netanyahu
Translated & summarized from Alarab by baba
Ultra-Orthodox party United Torah Judaism is reportedly exploring support for an opposition government led by Gadi Eisenkot, potentially breaking from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The move is driven by demands for compromises on Haredi conscription and institutional budgets. While a party statement denied directives from Rabbi Dov Lando to engage the opposition, internal discussions suggest a willingness to reconsider alliances based on unmet demands and the perceived diminishing returns of the current coalition. The party seeks to secure its community's interests regardless of the ruling government.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- United Torah Judaism is considering supporting Gadi Eisenkot's opposition government instead of Benjamin Netanyahu's.
- The potential shift is linked to demands for compromises on Haredi conscription and institutional budgets.
- Rabbi Dov Lando allegedly urged party members to open dialogue with Netanyahu's opposition.
- UTJ emphasizes protecting Haredi community interests above specific political alliances.
- Party officials cite diminishing political gains from the current alliance with Netanyahu.
- A party statement denied directives from Rabbi Lando to engage the opposition.
Leaders within the ultra-Orthodox party United Torah Judaism (UTJ) are reportedly considering cooperating with the political bloc opposing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This potential shift includes exploring support for an alternative government led by Gadi Eisenkot, in exchange for understandings on the conscription of Haredi youth and funding for their institutions.
These moves follow alleged directives from Rabbi Dov Lando, a prominent religious authority for the Degel HaTorah faction of UTJ. According to journalist Yishai Cohen, Rabbi Lando urged Knesset members from the party to open dialogue with Netanyahu's opposition and seek a compromise on the military exemption for yeshiva students.
Rabbi Lando reportedly emphasized that UTJ does not necessarily belong to any existing political camp but rather prioritizes the interests of the Haredi community and its religious institutions. This approach suggests a desire to keep political options open beyond the traditional alliance with Netanyahu, negotiating with other parties if they can meet UTJ's demands regarding conscription and budgets.
An Israeli official revealed that internal discussions within UTJ are examining the possibility of supporting an Eisenkot-led government, potentially from outside the coalition. This would involve providing political and parliamentary backing without UTJ members holding ministerial positions. Sources within the party stated that their Knesset members are not obligated to support Netanyahu, indicating their willingness to reconsider alliances based on commitments offered.
The core demands revolve around the law for conscripting Haredi youth and government budgets for religious and educational institutions. While acknowledging Eisenkot may not fully meet their conscription demands, UTJ is reportedly open to a compromise that offers sufficient guarantees for yeshiva students. The party also seeks coordination on budget allocations for its institutions.
Some UTJ officials expressed dissatisfaction with the current alliance, stating that it no longer yields political gains, especially with Netanyahu's government struggling to maintain a Knesset majority. They aim for UTJ to regain influence as a kingmaker rather than a passive coalition partner. However, another official warned that a broad unity government could marginalize the party, pushing it into opposition.
Despite reports of Rabbi Lando's directives, UTJ party head MK Yaakov Asher issued a statement denying any such instructions were given and stating they had not met with senior rabbis since the elections. This denial raises questions about the nature of the alleged directives and whether they represent a binding political decision or an effort to keep dialogue channels open.
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