United Torah Judaism Willing to Negotiate with 'Change Bloc' on Conscription Law
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
A senior official from United Torah Judaism (UTJ) indicated the party is willing to negotiate with the "Change Bloc" on the conscription law, but will not compromise on religious status quo issues. This follows statements from Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman expressing openness to compromise. UTJ MK Yaakov Asher welcomed the political flexibility but stressed that any agreement requires approval from senior rabbis. The party is skeptical about reaching a deal soon, especially with Gadi Eisenkot tasked with forming the government.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- United Torah Judaism will negotiate on the conscription law but not compromise on religious status quo.
- Senior rabbis have instructed UTJ to negotiate with any party willing to arrange yeshiva students' status.
- Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman is reportedly open to compromise on the conscription law.
- UTJ MK Yaakov Asher welcomed political flexibility but stressed rabbinical approval is needed.
- UTJ is skeptical about reaching a deal soon, especially with Gadi Eisenkot forming the government.
A senior official in the United Torah Judaism (UTJ) party stated that the coming week will be a significant test for potential cooperation with the "Change Bloc" regarding the conscription law. The party is operating under explicit instructions from "Great Rabbis" to negotiate with any party willing to arrange the status of yeshiva students, but will not compromise on religious and state issues.
The UTJ official emphasized that any cooperation requires full preservation of the status quo on matters of religion and state, including Shabbat observance, kashrut, and conversion. This comes amid reports that Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman is open to compromise on the conscription law, stating that flexibility is possible on this issue as well as others.
UTJ MK Yaakov Asher expressed satisfaction with the increased flexibility shown by political players on the conscription issue, suggesting that much animosity could have been avoided if this flexibility had been present earlier. He affirmed that any proposal would first be presented to the "Great Rabbis" for their decision.
However, the party remains skeptical about the likelihood of reaching an agreement soon, with the senior official estimating that significant time may be needed and doubting a breakthrough will occur while Gadi Eisenkot holds the mandate to form the government. President Isaac Herzog announced Saturday night that he would task Eisenkot with forming the government after receiving 67 recommendations, while UTJ chose not to recommend any candidate. The mandate ceremony is scheduled for Sunday afternoon.
Meanwhile, the Shas party denied reports of supporting a "change government" that includes UTJ, calling such claims "fake news" and reiterating their commitment to the right-wing bloc as per the directive of the Council of Torah Sages.
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