United Torah Judaism Abandons Netanyahu Bloc, Shas Reels, Lieberman Shifts Stance
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
United Torah Judaism has broken with tradition by not recommending Benjamin Netanyahu for prime minister, potentially opening talks with the "Change Bloc." Meanwhile, Avigdor Lieberman has lifted his veto on cooperating with ultra-Orthodox parties, sparking debate about his motives. The Shas party is in turmoil after a significant electoral decline, with leader Aryeh Deri stepping down as chairman but remaining party head following a decision by the Council of Torah Sages.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- United Torah Judaism will not recommend Benjamin Netanyahu for prime minister, a historic first in decades.
- Avigdor Lieberman has removed his veto on forming a government with ultra-Orthodox parties.
- Shas party leader Aryeh Deri will step down as chairman but remain party head.
- Shas experienced a significant drop in the polls, securing only six Knesset seats.
- Analysts debate whether Lieberman's move is strategic or a political game.
United Torah Judaism (UTJ) has made a historic decision to refrain from recommending Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for government formation, a move not seen in decades. This unprecedented step has sparked debate among political analysts regarding its implications for potential negotiations with the "Change Bloc" parties. Analysts are questioning whether this opens the door for formal talks between the ultra-Orthodox factions and the leaders of the opposition.
The program also addressed the surprising shift in stance by Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman, who announced he is lifting his long-standing veto on sitting in a government with the ultra-Orthodox parties. Analysts are divided on whether this signifies a fundamental strategic change and the formation of a new political front, or a calculated political maneuver aimed at undermining Gadi Eisenkot and bolstering Lieberman's position within the opposition.
Further discussion focused on the significant turmoil within the Shas party following a drop to just six Knesset seats in recent elections. The panel examined the chain of dramatic events, including Chairman Aryeh Deri's request to resign due to the results. However, the Council of Torah Sages ultimately decided that Deri would remain as party chairman, though likely not as an active Knesset member. The program also touched upon the lessons Shas must learn from its electoral setback and the organizational and public steps it needs to take to recover its political strength.
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