Businessman Mediates Deal to Make Lieberman Prime Minister
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Businessman Jackie Ben Zaken is reportedly mediating a deal that could make Avigdor Lieberman Prime Minister. The proposed agreement involves Lieberman forming a coalition with ultra-Orthodox parties, offering them significant concessions. These include halting draft dodger arrests and establishing a special recruitment committee. The United Torah Judaism party is expected to receive key ministries. The deal's viability with Lieberman's voters and religious leadership is uncertain.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Businessman Jackie Ben Zaken is mediating a potential coalition deal involving Avigdor Lieberman.
- The proposed deal could make Lieberman Prime Minister in exchange for ultra-Orthodox concessions.
- Concessions include halting draft dodger arrests and forming a special recruitment committee.
- United Torah Judaism is expected to receive Interior and Housing ministries.
- The deal's acceptance by Lieberman's voters and religious leaders is uncertain.
Two weeks after the general election, Israel's political landscape remains complex with no clear majority, prompting intense coalition negotiations. Businessman Jackie Ben Zaken, owner of the M.S. Ashdod football club and known for his ties to the ultra-Orthodox community, is reportedly mediating behind the scenes to bridge the gap between Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman and the ultra-Orthodox parties. This potential alliance is considered highly unlikely given their past political stances.
Ben Zaken, also prominent in real estate and commerce, is leveraging his extensive political connections. The reported mediation effort also involves Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion and political advisor Avi Abuhatzira. Key figures negotiating with the ultra-Orthodox parties include Moti Babchik, a senior associate of outgoing Housing and Construction Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf, and David Shapira, a prominent figure from the Degel HaTorah faction.
The proposed framework could significantly alter the political order: Lieberman would become Prime Minister in exchange for substantial concessions to the ultra-Orthodox parties. These concessions reportedly include halting the arrest of draft dodgers from among Torah students and establishing a "recruitment committee" to examine military service obligations, with a focus on the Arab sector, to divert pressure from the ultra-Orthodox community. Additionally, the United Torah Judaism party is expected to receive key ministerial portfolios, including the Interior Ministry and the Ministry of Construction and Housing.
These ongoing negotiations highlight the unconventional nature of coalition-building efforts. However, it remains uncertain whether such an arrangement would be accepted by Lieberman's traditional voter base or gain the approval of the Council of Torah Sages.
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