United Torah Judaism Considers Joining "Change Bloc" Government Over Conscription Law
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
United Torah Judaism is considering joining a "Change Bloc" government if an agreement is reached on the sensitive conscription law, following Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman's willingness to compromise. Lieberman stated he would not support a minority government reliant on Arab parties but would be flexible on other issues, including conscription. The ultra-Orthodox party indicated that any proposal would require approval from its rabbinical leadership. Political analysts suggest that securing support from both United Torah Judaism and Shas is crucial for forming a 61-seat coalition, though the path forward remains complex.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- United Torah Judaism may join a "Change Bloc" government if a conscription law agreement is reached.
- Avigdor Lieberman is willing to compromise on the conscription law to avoid new elections.
- The ultra-Orthodox party requires spiritual approval from its rabbis for any political proposal.
- Forming a 61-seat coalition hinges on the support of both United Torah Judaism and Shas.
- The "Change Bloc" is exploring options to form a government without relying on Arab parties.
A source within the United Torah Judaism party revealed on Friday that the party is seriously considering joining a "Change Bloc" government, provided an agreement is reached on the conscription law. This development follows an announcement by Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman that he is willing to compromise on the issue to form a government without Benjamin Netanyahu and avoid further elections.
Lieberman stated he opposes a minority government reliant on the abstention of the Joint List and Ra'am, but is open to concessions on other matters, including the conscription law. He emphasized that Israel's national interest must supersede all other considerations, acknowledging that compromising on the conscription law might be painful but necessary given the current challenges. Members of Yisrael Beiteinu reportedly believe that only the "Change Bloc" can publicly pass a new conscription law, and that compromise is needed as the alternatives are reliance on Arab parties, forming a government with Netanyahu, or new elections.
United Torah Judaism indicated that while they are open to joining a "Change Bloc" government, any political proposal would first be presented for spiritual approval from their rabbinical leadership. The party estimates that negotiations with Gadi Eisenkot, the "Change Bloc" leader, are a real possibility, though complex. They anticipate difficulty in agreeing to a new conscription law that includes significant sanctions or strict quotas, suggesting a softened approach might be necessary to secure their support.
Political assessments suggest that United Torah Judaism's seven mandates are insufficient for a 61-seat coalition on their own. Adding Shas's six mandates would bring the total to 61. There is speculation that United Torah Judaism's entry into a "Change Bloc" government could pave the way for Shas to join later, allowing Shas chairman Aryeh Deri to argue his party's entry wasn't the sole factor enabling the government's formation. However, the mechanism for forming a 61-seat government without Shas, if United Torah Judaism only brings the bloc to 55 seats, remains unclear.
Within the "Change Bloc," some view securing agreement with both ultra-Orthodox parties as a difficult, perhaps impossible, task. Others are encouraged that United Torah Judaism did not recommend a candidate to the President. Gadi Eisenkot has pledged to do everything to form a government, but at least half of the bloc, led by Lieberman, has rejected the emergency plan for a 48-seat government relying on Arab party abstentions. Naftali Bennett has not publicly stated his position but is also not expected to support a government dependent on Arab parties.
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