Ultra-Orthodox Party Signals Independence from Right-Wing Bloc
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
The ultra-Orthodox party United Torah Judaism (UTJ) declared it will not automatically support the right-wing bloc and will back a candidate who provides concrete solutions for yeshiva students, secured by binding guarantees. This position, published in "HaModia," prioritizes the needs of Torah scholars over traditional political alliances. The party also demands practical solutions for issues like childcare and alleged discrimination, rejecting criticism for considering cooperation outside its usual political partners.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- United Torah Judaism will only support a candidate who practically resolves yeshiva students' status with binding guarantees.
- The party is not committed to supporting Benjamin Netanyahu or any specific political bloc.
- UTJ demands tangible guarantees, not just written promises, for coalition agreements.
- The party rejects criticism for considering cooperation with political factions outside its traditional bloc.
- Other key issues for UTJ include childcare, travel for weddings, and alleged discrimination.
The ultra-Orthodox party United Torah Judaism (UTJ) has signaled it is not bound to support any specific political bloc, including the right-wing, and will back a prime ministerial candidate only if they present a practical solution for the status of yeshiva students, backed by binding guarantees. This stance was articulated in an article published in the ultra-Orthodox daily "HaModia" on Monday, amidst coalition-building efforts following the recent elections.
The article emphasizes that UTJ's decision not to endorse Benjamin Netanyahu or any other candidate is driven by the party's priority to address the plight of yeshiva students. "To fulfill this directive, United Torah Judaism has not recommended any of the various candidates for forming a government to the President," the article stated. "The faction has most clearly formulated its 'no choice': we will support only a candidate who arranges the status of Torah scholars."
A key innovation in UTJ's position is the demand for tangible guarantees beyond standard coalition agreements, citing past experiences where written promises were not fulfilled. "This time, we cannot settle for just a written and signed commitment, because it has been proven that it has no validity. This time, appropriate guarantees are necessary," the publication argued.
The article also addresses criticism from within the right-wing camp against the possibility of UTJ cooperating with parties outside its traditional bloc, specifically mentioning potential talks with figures like Gadi Eisenkot. "Reprimands like 'How do you even dare to think of someone outside the faithful bloc' will not change the situation," the article countered, dismissing arguments that loyalty to the existing bloc should supersede the demand for yeshiva students' status.
Furthermore, the article highlighted other pressing issues for the ultra-Orthodox community, including childcare availability, enabling yeshiva graduates to travel abroad for weddings, and alleged discrimination and harassment. UTJ stated that political support will be given to candidates who practically address these concerns, not just those who offer ideological partnership.
