Shas Chairman Arie Deri Remains in Netanyahu Bloc Amidst Political Maneuvering
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS by baba
Shas Chairman Arie Deri has reaffirmed his party's commitment to Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing bloc, despite ongoing political maneuvering. The Likud has appointed Yaakov Bardugo to ensure Deri remains aligned with the bloc, as Deri monitors coalition talks involving Gadi Eisenkot and Avigdor Lieberman. A major obstacle to forming a new government is the disagreement over ultra-Orthodox conscription, with significant challenges also posed by Naftali Bennett's reform agenda.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Shas Chairman Arie Deri is staying with Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing bloc, party officials confirmed.
- The Likud appointed Yaakov Bardugo to keep Arie Deri in the right-wing bloc.
- Deri is watching coalition talks between United Torah Judaism, Avigdor Lieberman, and Gadi Eisenkot.
- The 'change bloc' is exploring forming a government led by Gadi Eisenkot.
- Significant disagreements persist over ultra-Orthodox military conscription.
- Naftali Bennett continues to push his 'civil service reform' agenda.
Shas party is reaffirming its commitment to the right-wing bloc led by Benjamin Netanyahu, despite reports suggesting potential shifts. The party leadership conveyed this message over the weekend, but the Likud party is closely monitoring the actions of Shas Chairman Arie Deri.
Deri is reportedly observing coalition talks between the United Torah Judaism party and figures associated with Avigdor Lieberman and Gadi Eisenkot. He is seeking to understand the progress of these discussions, potential ministerial roles, and emerging political opportunities. The Likud is concerned that Deri might join an effort to form a government headed by Eisenkot.
To counter this possibility, the Likud has appointed Yaakov Bardugo as a special project manager tasked with ensuring Deri remains within the right-wing bloc. Simultaneously, the "change bloc" is exploring avenues to form a government under Eisenkot, with Lieberman actively engaged in these efforts and Eisenkot extending conciliatory messages.
However, a senior member of the change bloc stated that current interactions are primarily exploratory, with no serious negotiations underway. A significant hurdle remains the issue of ultra-Orthodox conscription, where the change bloc insists on mandatory service, while ultra-Orthodox parties favor a law that largely exempts them. This disagreement could complicate future negotiations.
Eisenkot also faces other challenges in forming a government. Naftali Bennett continues to push his agenda for "civil service reform," and Deri, despite his contacts with United Torah Judaism, has not yet committed to any specific move. Consequently, parliamentary progress has not yet translated into a breakthrough towards the Prime Minister's office.
Mentioned
