Ultra-Orthodox Parties Celebrate Lieberman's Shift on Conscription
Translated & summarized from Al-Shams by baba
Ultra-Orthodox parties are celebrating Avigdor Lieberman's apparent willingness to compromise on Haredi conscription exemptions, following secret talks. This shift, however, does not ensure a government coalition with left-wing parties, as Lieberman's conditions and Shas party leader Aryeh Deri's stance complicate formation efforts. The developments are seen as potentially beneficial for Haredi parties regardless of the final outcome, whether a government is formed or new elections are held.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Ultra-Orthodox parties are celebrating Avigdor Lieberman's potential compromise on Haredi military conscription exemptions.
- Secret talks between Lieberman's associates and United Torah Judaism preceded the apparent shift.
- United Torah Judaism's non-endorsement of Netanyahu was a step to gain Lieberman's trust.
- Haredi parties believe they can benefit regardless of whether a government is formed or elections are held.
- Forming a government remains difficult due to Lieberman's conditions and Shas party leader Aryeh Deri's position.
- Gadi Eisenkot faces challenges in forming a coalition government.
Ultra-Orthodox parties are celebrating a perceived shift by Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, who has signaled a willingness to compromise on the issue of military conscription exemptions for the Haredi community. This development follows months of discreet discussions between individuals close to Lieberman and the United Torah Judaism party. However, these advances do not guarantee the formation of a government that would include left-wing and Haredi parties.
According to an analysis published by the Haaretz newspaper on Friday, United Torah Judaism's refusal to recommend Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu for government formation was a first step toward gaining Lieberman's trust, who has shown flexibility on the conscription issue. A source within the Haredi parties told the newspaper that these developments were unexpected a month ago. The parties believe they are now in a position to achieve gains regardless of the outcome, whether through agreements on conscription or by heading to new elections, as they would avoid further criticism on the matter.
Despite the positive atmosphere among the Haredi parties, the path to forming a government including left-wing and Haredi factions remains challenging. Lieberman's conditions complicate the efforts of Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Labor party, to assemble a governing coalition. The analysis highlights that the decisive vote for securing a parliamentary majority rests with the Shas party. Its leader, Aryeh Deri, has not yet indicated readiness to provide this support, making the prospects for the new government uncertain, even with the ongoing rapprochement between Lieberman and the Haredi parties.
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