Ultra-Orthodox Parties Consider Alliance With Gadi Eisenkot
Translated & summarized from Hamal by baba
Ultra-Orthodox parties are exploring a potential short-term government alliance with Gadi Eisenkot to achieve immediate political gains, such as addressing draft exemptions and budget issues. This idea emerged after Avigdor Lieberman softened his stance on their political involvement. The ultra-Orthodox reportedly see this as a way to secure quick wins without long-term commitment, while the Likud maintains cautious engagement, and the opposition suspects a negotiating tactic.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ultra-Orthodox parties are considering a temporary government alliance with Gadi Eisenkot.
- The move aims to secure immediate achievements like halting draft dodger arrests and releasing budgets.
- Avigdor Lieberman's recent shift in stance has opened new political possibilities for the ultra-Orthodox.
- This strategy could provide quick wins without long-term political damage to the right-wing bloc.
- The Likud is maintaining cautious ties, while the opposition suspects a negotiating ploy.
Ultra-Orthodox parties are reportedly exploring the idea of forming a limited-term government with Gadi Eisenkot, aiming for short-term political gains. While no formal negotiations have begun, internal discussions within these parties suggest a potential shift in strategy. This contemplation follows a recent change in stance by Avigdor Lieberman, who no longer outright rejects the ultra-Orthodox as potential political partners.
Discussions between ultra-Orthodox and Likud figures have raised the possibility of aligning with Eisenkot, with one sentiment expressed as preferring "crumbs in cash now" over waiting for a larger, uncertain reward from a right-wing government. This reflects a political calculation to secure immediate fulfillment of pressing demands, such as halting arrests of draft-dodging yeshiva students, releasing frozen budgets, and advancing a new conscription law.
Some believe a conscription law passed by an Eisenkot-led government might face less legal opposition than one proposed by a Netanyahu government. The ultra-Orthodox factions reportedly envision such a government lasting only a few months, delivering specific achievements before collapsing. This scenario would allow them to gain immediate benefits without long-term political damage to the right-wing bloc.
Meanwhile, the Likud party is proceeding cautiously with the ultra-Orthodox, focusing its public criticism on the potential formation of a government reliant on Arab parties. This relative silence towards the ultra-Orthodox, who are considering a move that could aid Eisenkot, is seen as a strategic decision by Netanyahu to maintain ties with them as part of the broader right-wing bloc.
However, this cautious approach from the Likud has also fueled suspicion within the opposition. Some fear that the ultra-Orthodox's expressed willingness to cooperate with Eisenkot is merely a political maneuver to pressure Netanyahu and improve their negotiating position for future talks.
