Behadrei HaredimPolitics19:11

Yair Golan Offers Partnership to Haredi Parties With Conditions

By אברהם פריינד

Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba

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Yair Golan, Chairman of the Democrats, is open to partnering with Haredi parties for a "government of rescue and change" but has set conditions. He demands Haredi conscription and increased employment integration, along with mutual respect for lifestyles, including public transportation on Shabbat. Golan insists on meeting in Ramat Gan, not Haredi neighborhoods, and will not offer a "blank check" for the proposed coalition.

The story in 6 lines · by baba

Yair Golan offered partnership to Haredi parties with conditions including conscription and employment.
Golan demands Haredi parties meet him in Ramat Gan, not Bnei Brak or Mea Shearim.
He called for a "government of rescue and change" to replace the current administration.
Partnership requires mutual respect for lifestyles, including public transportation on Shabbat.
Golan stated he would not offer a "blank check" to the Haredi parties.
This is a shift from his prior opposition to Haredi coalition partners.

Yair Golan Offers Partnership to Haredi Parties With Conditions — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Yair Golan, Chairman of the Democrats, has expressed openness to forming a coalition with Haredi parties like United Torah Judaism and Shas, provided they meet certain conditions. This comes in the wake of Avigdor Lieberman's shift in stance on the conscription of Haredim and the potential for an alternative government.

Golan called for replacing the current Netanyahu government with a "government of rescue and change," emphasizing that while the door is open to the Haredi public, "real partnership requires mutual responsibility." He stated that unlike Netanyahu, he would not travel to Haredi strongholds like Bnei Brak or Mea Shearim for meetings, asserting, "Whoever wants a partnership with us will have to meet us in Ramat Gan."

Key conditions for partnership include the conscription of Haredim and increased employment integration for the community, ensuring "every child in Israel receives the tools to earn a living with dignity." Golan argued that the middle class cannot continue to bear the economic and security burdens alone.

Furthermore, Golan addressed public life on Shabbat, demanding reciprocity. "Just as we respect the Haredi way of life, we expect them to respect ours," he wrote. He believes that in their municipalities, people should be able to go out on Shabbat, have coffee, and even use public transportation.

Golan concluded by extending a hand to the Haredi parties for a "government of change" but made it clear that he would not offer a "blank check" and that they must be prepared for changes. This marks a shift from his pre-election stance, where he strongly opposed partnering with Haredi parties, even stating a preference for a government with Naftali Bennett and Mansour Abbas over them.