Ultra-Orthodox Parties Divided on Post-Election Alliances
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
United Torah Judaism was surprised by Avigdor Lieberman's willingness to cooperate and is waiting for an offer from the "change bloc." Shas remains skeptical of Lieberman but hasn't ruled out joining the change bloc. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has had limited contact with the ultra-Orthodox parties. Lieberman announced he would recommend Gadi Eisenkot for prime minister but criticized his leadership.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- United Torah Judaism surprised by Lieberman's openness to cooperation, awaits change bloc offer.
- Shas remains skeptical of Lieberman but may join change bloc if UTJ leads.
- Netanyahu has had minimal contact with UTJ and Shas since the election.
- Lieberman to recommend Gadi Eisenkot for PM, Yair Lapid for Knesset Speaker.
- Lieberman rules out joining Netanyahu's government or a unity government.
- Shas is reportedly functioning without a chairman, an unprecedented situation.
United Torah Judaism (UTJ) expressed surprise at Avigdor Lieberman's openness to cooperation, while still awaiting a concrete offer from the "change bloc." The party has not heard from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu since the election, and Shas has also ceased communication. UTJ is considering joining forces with the change bloc, led by Gadi Eisenkot, and has not ruled out supporting the replacement of the Knesset Speaker, Amir Ohana, with decisions on other Knesset roles pending an offer from Eisenkot's faction.
In contrast to UTJ, senior figures within Shas remain skeptical of Lieberman and are hesitant to trust him. However, they are not entirely ruling out joining the change bloc, particularly if UTJ takes the lead. Currently, Shas appears to be aligning with Netanyahu, participating in discussions about alleged fraud in the Arab sector and pledging to recommend him to the president.
Netanyahu has had minimal contact with UTJ since the election, and Shas has also not coordinated moves with them. Key UTJ figures, including Chairman Yaakov Asher and MKs Yitzhak Goldknopf and Meir Porush, met to prepare for consultations at the President's Residence. The situation within Shas is described as complex, with one insider stating the party is functioning without a chairman, an unprecedented situation. MKs Yinon Azulai and Michael Malchieli met with Rabbi Maya for consultations, without Arie Deri present.
Netanyahu, despite difficulties connecting with Deri, issued a statement supporting him, criticizing media and left-wing attacks and accusing them of offering "heaven and earth" to lure the ultra-Orthodox. He referred to Deri and Shas as "important partners" and praised Deri's contributions to Israel's security in the cabinet.
Lieberman announced he would recommend Gadi Eisenkot for prime minister and Yair Lapid for Knesset Speaker, but also blamed Eisenkot for the bloc's election failure. Lieberman ruled out joining a Netanyahu-led government, even with a rotation, and rejected a unity government with Netanyahu. He also opposes a minority government, believing it would be short-lived and benefit Netanyahu in subsequent elections. Lieberman stated he would cooperate with any party that accepts his principles, including the conscription law, but did not explicitly rule out cooperation with the ultra-Orthodox.
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