Ultra-Orthodox Celebrate as 'Change Bloc' Courts Them After Election
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
Ultra-Orthodox commentators are celebrating a perceived moral victory after the "change bloc" of parties, which previously condemned Haredi draft evasion, began seeking coalition agreements with them. The article criticizes this shift as hypocritical, arguing it does not legitimize draft evasion. Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected to leverage this situation, while the change bloc faces potential voter backlash for its perceived inconsistency. A broad unity government is suggested as a more stable alternative.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ultra-Orthodox commentators are celebrating a perceived moral victory after the "change bloc" courted them for coalition deals.
- The "change bloc" previously condemned Haredi draft evasion but now appears willing to partner with Haredi parties.
- The article criticizes the change bloc's shift as hypocritical and argues it does not legitimize draft evasion.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected to benefit from the change bloc's perceived inconsistency.
- A broad unity government is suggested as a more stable alternative to a potential change-Haredi coalition.
Ultra-Orthodox commentators are celebrating a perceived moral victory following the recent elections, as the "change bloc" of parties, which previously condemned draft evasion by Haredi men, now appears willing to form coalition agreements with them. This shift is seen by some as hypocritical, especially given the bloc's strong stance against Haredi draft dodgers before the election. The article argues that this change in approach by the change bloc does not legitimize Haredi draft evasion, which it describes as an "outrageous phenomenon" and a "desecration of God's name."
Before the election, leaders in the change bloc vowed to address Haredi draft evasion, with many politicians and left-leaning journalists taking a firm stance against it. Social media has been flooded with reminders of these past statements. The author suggests that the established media might shield the new coalition from criticism regarding its perceived hypocrisy.
Netanyahu is expected to benefit from this situation, as he can now point to the change bloc's willingness to partner with Haredi parties as justification for his own past collaborations. Despite their electoral underperformance, the Haredi parties are emerging as winners because the change bloc is actively seeking their support. The article posits that this situation arises from an attempt to circumvent a clear electoral outcome, suggesting that a government of national unity might have been the more straightforward solution.
The article criticizes the change bloc's "embarrassing courtship" of Ra'am (an Arab party) immediately after the polls closed, stating it cannot be erased from the record. Voters may penalize the bloc in future elections if they are held soon. Even if a change-Haredi government is formed and elections are postponed, this outcome is presented as preferable to an immediate return to the polls, but less ideal than a unity government.
It is suggested that Gadi Eisenkot, a leader within the change bloc, will find it difficult to market a coalition with Haredi parties to the secular segment of his base. The article concludes by referencing a call from Golani Brigade veterans for Eisenkot to form a broad unity government, stating that only such a government, not a minority one, can truly save Israel. The leadership of such a government is left open for discussion, potentially with presidential mediation.
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