Netanyahu's Secret Appeal to Rabbis Rejected Amid Political Maneuvering
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's direct appeal to prominent rabbis to prevent Haredi parties from joining a rival government was reportedly rejected. Netanyahu also sought support from a senior Shas party rabbi and expressed a desire for new elections. Haredi parties, meanwhile, are demanding a freeze on military conscription and an end to sanctions against draft dodgers as conditions for joining an alternative government.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Netanyahu's direct appeal to rabbis for political support was reportedly rejected.
- Haredi parties are demanding a freeze on military conscription as a condition for joining a government.
- Netanyahu reportedly desires new elections, believing he would win and meet Haredi demands.
- The Prime Minister's office is described as exerting significant pressure on Haredi parties.
- Haredi parties also seek an end to sanctions against draft dodgers.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly making efforts to prevent Haredi parties from joining a "change bloc" government by appealing directly to prominent rabbis, bypassing political representatives. However, sources close to the rabbis reportedly rejected the overture, stating that such a meeting was inappropriate and that Netanyahu should pursue conventional political channels. Netanyahu also reportedly approached a senior rabbi within the Shas party, a key decision-maker.
A source from the Haredi parties described the pressure from the Prime Minister's office as "chaos." Concurrently, Netanyahu is reportedly conveying to his associates that he expects Haredi parties to vote against the formation of a government led by Gadi Eisenkot, rather than abstain. He is said to desire repeat elections, believing he would win and subsequently be able to meet Haredi demands.
Meanwhile, Haredi parties are outlining their conditions for joining an alternative government. Key demands include a transitional directive that would freeze the conscription obligation for at least one year, pending a comprehensive agreement, and an halt to the arrest and sanctions against draft dodgers. Knesset members are expected to insist that any agreement be codified in legislation and approved by the Attorney General and the High Court of Justice (Bagatz).
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