Ultra-Orthodox Party Reverses Netanyahu Endorsement After Rabbi's Call

The ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party initially instructed its representatives to recommend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for government formation but later rescinded the order following a conversation involving Rabbi Dov Lando. MKs Meir Porush and Eli Stark, representing the "Chomot Torah Yisrael" faction within the party, had received the directive to endorse Netanyahu. However, after Rabbi Lando spoke with the party's Rebbes, their stance shifted, leading to the cancellation of the recommendation.

This internal shift explains the party's actions at the President's Residence on November 5th, where they informed President Yitzhak Herzog that they would not recommend Netanyahu, nor would they recommend Gadi Eisenkot. MK Porush notably abstained from these consultations as a protest. Elements within the "Change Bloc" are closely monitoring the internal disputes within the Haredi party, identifying Porush as a key figure whose opposition could hinder the formation of a government led by Eisenkot.

The party's decision not to recommend any candidate reflects internal disagreements about their political alliances post-election. While some within the party questioned the automatic alliance with Netanyahu, especially given his inability to secure a majority, others favored continuing support for the Prime Minister. The directive for Porush and Stark to recommend Netanyahu was issued against this backdrop, but Rabbi Lando's intervention altered the course.

MK Yitzhak Goldknopf explained to President Herzog that the decision was based on rabbinical instructions not to recommend anyone for prime minister at this stage. He emphasized that the party's primary concern is the status of Torah scholars. Porush's absence from the meeting further highlighted the internal divisions, as he had previously expressed reservations about cooperating with the "Change Bloc."

Within the "Change Bloc," Porush is seen as a significant obstacle to securing United Torah Judaism's support. For Eisenkot and his allies, the party's abstention from recommending Netanyahu is only the first step; reaching understandings with various factions, including "Chomot Torah Yisrael," is crucial. The party's long-standing alliance with Likud is no longer considered a given, with some members expressing a desire to regain a decisive role in the Knesset and concerns about being left in the opposition.

United Torah Judaism's primary demand revolves around the issue of Haredi conscription and the status of yeshiva students. While acknowledging that an Eisenkot-led government might not advance their desired draft exemption law, they are open to exploring alternative arrangements. One possibility being considered is external support for an Eisenkot government, in exchange for understandings on the draft law and budgets for the Haredi public. The party stated that any government that addresses the "persecution of Torah scholars" would receive their support.

The potential cooperation with the "Change Bloc" is also influenced by Avigdor Lieberman, leader of Yisrael Beiteinu, who has historically opposed Haredi draft exemption demands. Lieberman recently indicated openness to cooperation if core principles, including the draft exemption law, are accepted, but he opposes minority governments. This stance, combined with internal disagreements within United Torah Judaism regarding a break from Netanyahu's bloc, complicates efforts to form a new government.