Ultra-Orthodox Party Sets Draft Law Condition for Netanyahu, May Test Eisenkot
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
The ultra-Orthodox party United Torah Judaism (UTJ) is demanding Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud agree to a conscription law before coalition talks. It remains unclear if UTJ will impose the same condition on Gadi Eisenkot's "Yashar!" party. The party is considering abstaining from recommending a prime minister to maintain flexibility. The timing of the conscription law's passage is a major hurdle for potential coalition agreements.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- United Torah Judaism demands a conscription law be passed before coalition talks with Benjamin Netanyahu.
- It is uncertain if the party will impose the same condition on Gadi Eisenkot's "Yashar!" party.
- UTJ is considering abstaining from recommending a prime minister to maintain political flexibility.
- Speculation suggests Gadi Eisenkot may offer favorable terms on conscription and funding.
- The passage of the conscription law faces potential coalition disputes and legal challenges.
- Arab parties might support an Eisenkot government, potentially sidelining UTJ.
The ultra-Orthodox party United Torah Judaism (UTJ) is reportedly demanding that Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party agree to a conscription law in three readings before coalition negotiations begin. A key question now is whether UTJ will impose the same precondition on Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the "Yashar!" party, as potential coalition talks loom between them. Political commentator Anna Barsky of Maariv noted that UTJ has previously indicated this demand would be a prerequisite for starting talks with Likud, not just for joining a government.
UTJ has yet to provide a direct answer regarding whether they will present a similar demand to Eisenkot. This uncertainty is significant as the party deliberates on whom to recommend for Prime Minister to the Israeli President, with reports suggesting they might abstain from endorsing either Netanyahu or Eisenkot, leaving the decision to their rabbinical leadership to maintain political flexibility.
Political circles speculate that Eisenkot might offer favorable terms to the ultra-Orthodox parties on the conscription of yeshiva students, along with budgetary funding and other key issues. However, even a preliminary agreement on the draft law's model does not guarantee its passage, as it could face coalition disputes or legal challenges after the government is formed.
Barsky suggests that if UTJ joins an Eisenkot government before the conscription law is fully passed, they risk losing their primary leverage if the process stalls. Furthermore, Arab parties, holding 19 Knesset seats, might have an interest in avoiding new elections and could provide parliamentary support to an Eisenkot government even without UTJ, potentially leaving the ultra-Orthodox parties outside the government without achieving their legislative goal.
Conversely, insisting on the law's passage before negotiations could complicate Eisenkot's government formation efforts and limit room for compromise. UTJ's decision on whether to demand immediate legislative action or accept future promises will be a critical factor in potential coalition agreements.
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