Ultra-Orthodox MK Rejects Alliance With Gadi Eisenkot
Translated & summarized from Kipa by baba
Meir Porush, an ultra-Orthodox MK, has dismissed the possibility of his party joining a government led by Gadi Eisenkot, citing a lack of consultation. Eisenkot is reportedly exploring a minority government scenario with abstentions from United Torah Judaism and Ra'am. This plan aims to secure 49 votes against Netanyahu's 46, potentially bypassing the Prime Minister. Meanwhile, United Torah Judaism may offer Eisenkot the premiership in exchange for a conscription exemption law.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- MK Meir Porush rejected potential coalition talks with Gadi Eisenkot, citing lack of consultation.
- Gadi Eisenkot is exploring a minority government requiring abstentions from key parties.
- The proposed minority government would have 49 votes versus Netanyahu's 46.
- United Torah Judaism may offer Eisenkot the premiership for a conscription exemption.
- Porush reiterated his promise not to join a left-wing government.
Ultra-Orthodox Member of Knesset Meir Porush of the Agudat Yisrael faction has rejected reports of a potential government coalition with Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the National Unity party. Porush stated, "Who will go with him?! He doesn't even call us, and he won't call us." He also reiterated his election promise to Chabad Hasidim not to join a left-wing government, asserting, "What I say, I keep."
Earlier, reports indicated that Eisenkot was exploring the possibility of forming a minority government, contingent on the abstention of the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party and the Arab Ra'am party. According to the reports, Yoav Segalovich would be the sole Ra'am Knesset member actively supporting such a government. The plan relies on the Joint List refraining from voting against a government that would prevent Benjamin Netanyahu from becoming Prime Minister, although the National Unity party is reportedly not interested in negotiating with them on this matter.
The proposed framework involves Eisenkot's bloc, comprising National Unity, Together, Democrats, and Yisrael Beiteinu, which holds 48 mandates. With Segalovich's support, this would bring the total to 49 votes in favor. Netanyahu's bloc, excluding United Torah Judaism, has 46 mandates from Likud, Otzma Yehudit, Shas, and Religious Zionism. Thus, through the abstention of other parties, Eisenkot could potentially form a minority government with a 49-46 majority.
Separately, reports from the weekend suggested that United Torah Judaism was considering offering Eisenkot the premiership in exchange for advancing a bill exempting yeshiva students from military conscription. A senior party official explained that supporting Eisenkot as Prime Minister would be preferable to serving as a junior minister under Netanyahu or facing new elections.
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