Secret Deal Between Lieberman and United Torah Judaism Revealed
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
A secret political agreement has been revealed between Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman and ultra-Orthodox parties, aiming to make Lieberman prime minister. The deal includes legislation to halt draft dodger arrests and the allocation of key ministries to United Torah Judaism. Negotiations have faced a recent halt due to internal bloc disagreements, but talks are set to resume. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly trying to sabotage the deal.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Avigdor Lieberman and ultra-Orthodox parties reportedly agreed on legislation and ministerial posts for Lieberman's premiership.
- The deal includes ending arrests of draft dodgers and forming a committee on national service.
- United Torah Judaism is slated to receive the Housing and Interior ministries under the agreement.
- Negotiations have stalled due to internal disagreements within the 'change bloc' but will resume.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is attempting to thwart the emerging deal by contacting rabbis.
A political bombshell has erupted with the revelation of preliminary agreements between Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman and the ultra-Orthodox parties, aimed at positioning Lieberman as the next prime minister with their support. The report, by Yuli Baram of Channel 13 News, details that in exchange for joining the "change bloc," the ultra-Orthodox parties would receive legislation to immediately halt arrests of draft dodgers. Additionally, a new committee would be formed to re-examine national service obligations, extending beyond the ultra-Orthodox community to include Arab citizens and others, with the stated goal of reducing public pressure on the Haredi sector.
Key ministerial portfolios are also part of the alleged deal. United Torah Judaism is reportedly set to receive the Ministry of Construction and Housing, to be headed by MK Yaakov Asher. The party also aims to secure the Ministry of Interior, which would be led by a figure from the Degel HaTorah movement who is not currently a Knesset member.
Negotiations have been conducted by Avi Abuhatzira, businessman Jackie Ben Zaken, and Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion on Lieberman's side, and by David Shapira, a close associate of Rabbi G.D. Landu and a key figure in Degel HaTorah, along with Moti Bapchik, a trusted associate of Agudat Yisrael, on the ultra-Orthodox side.
Despite the progress, a communication breakdown occurred on Friday, stemming from deep disagreements within the "change bloc." Members of this bloc understand that Lieberman is pursuing the premiership through close cooperation with United Torah Judaism and Shas. Nevertheless, both sides have agreed to resume discussions in the coming days.
Internal dissent also exists within the Lithuanian ultra-Orthodox leadership regarding these agreements. Some rabbis and senior figures deem the accords practically worthless, believing they will not withstand legal scrutiny from the Attorney General and the High Court of Justice. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is actively working to thwart the emerging deal, attempting to engage directly with prominent rabbis, but so far without success.
Mentioned
