Shas Leader Deri Believed Left-Wing Parties Would Concede on Draft Law
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
Shas party leader Arie Deri believed left-wing parties would concede to ultra-Orthodox demands on military conscription in exchange for coalition support. He reportedly told an associate that the left's opposition was a "bluff" to oust the right-wing government. Deri dismissed concerns that voters would prevent such concessions. The statements are relevant as the "change bloc" considers a coalition with "Yahadut HaTorah."
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Shas leader Arie Deri believed left-wing parties would concede on military draft demands for coalition support.
- Deri reportedly called the left's stance on the draft law a "bluff" to unseat the right-wing government.
- He dismissed concerns that voters would prevent politicians from making concessions to the ultra-Orthodox.
- Deri's statements gained relevance amid coalition talks involving "Yahadut HaTorah."
- Avigdor Lieberman recently stated willingness to compromise with the ultra-Orthodox on the draft issue.
Shas party leader Arie Deri believed several months ago that left-wing parties would agree to ultra-Orthodox demands regarding military conscription, according to an associate. Deri reportedly saw forming a coalition with left-wing parties as a beneficial option for the ultra-Orthodox sector, suggesting they would concede on the draft law in exchange for support in forming a government. This perspective has gained renewed relevance following the "Yahadut HaTorah" party's decision not to recommend any candidate for prime minister to the president, and Avigdor Lieberman's recent statement about his willingness to compromise with the ultra-Orthodox on the draft issue.
During a private conversation, Deri allegedly stated, "If we go with the left, we will get everything we want. All this is bluff, necessary only to overthrow the right. We can get the draft law if we go with the other side, but we have a responsibility to the people of Israel, so we go with the right." The associate expressed disbelief, to which Deri reportedly responded, "What are you saying? You are naive. These guys were my friends before. I know the left. When necessary, they will sell everything."
The associate countered that even if politicians agreed to concessions, their own voters, who supported the opposition to the draft exemption law, would not permit it. Deri disagreed, calling the associate "mistaken and naive." These statements emerge as representatives of the "change bloc" consider forming a government that includes "Yahadut HaTorah," potentially utilizing a draft law model previously promoted by Lieberman in 2018.
