United Torah Judaism Demands Housing Ministry for Coalition Entry
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
United Torah Judaism is demanding the Ministry of Construction and Housing as a condition for joining a potential new government led by Gadi Eisenkot. The party previously held the ministry, which it considers a key power base for addressing Haredi housing needs. Senior party figures have indicated this demand, which follows Yitzhak Goldknopf's recent tenure in the role. Efforts to form a government are ongoing, with potential compromises on the conscription law also being discussed.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- United Torah Judaism seeks the Ministry of Construction and Housing for coalition entry.
- Gadi Eisenkot is tasked with forming a new government in Israel.
- The party views the housing ministry as crucial for Haredi community needs.
- Yitzhak Goldknopf previously held the housing minister position.
- A compromise on the conscription law is expected if a government is formed.
President Isaac Herzog is expected to task Gadi Eisenkot with forming a government within the next 24 hours. Over the following 28 days, leaders of the "Change Bloc" will attempt to assemble a coalition, with an additional 14-day extension possible. Simultaneously, efforts are underway to bring the United Torah Judaism party into the fold. The party, through its chairman MK Yaakov Asher, has stated it will not support any candidate for prime minister. It is anticipated that if Eisenkot succeeds in forming a government, a compromise will be found regarding the conscription law.
Sources indicate that senior figures within United Torah Judaism have privately expressed their intention to request the Ministry of Construction and Housing. This portfolio was recently held by Yitzhak Goldknopf, who was replaced by Chaim Ketz of the Likud. The party views this ministry as a key power center, having held it for decades and utilized it to advance housing solutions for the Haredi public and manage land planning. Goldknopf himself, chairman of Agudat Yisrael within the party, held the position from late 2022 until his resignation from the government, leading to Ketz's appointment.
During Goldknopf's tenure, numerous tenders were issued for the Haredi public under the "Discount Housing" program. After his departure, individuals who had not served in the IDF were barred from participating. Goldknopf also promoted the construction of Haredi communities and sought to assist the Haredi population with housing solutions. It is estimated that if United Torah Judaism regains control of the ministry, they will seek to retain Yehuda Morgenstern as Director General. Alternatively, Morgenstern, a highly regarded figure within the party, might be offered another senior real estate-related position. Previously, there was a proposal to appoint him as director of the Israel Land Authority, but he was not called for the selection committee.
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