United Torah Judaism MK Sets Non-Negotiable Conditions for Government
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Member of Knesset Yaakov Asher of United Torah Judaism has presented three non-negotiable conditions for joining any Israeli government. These demands include a resolution on yeshiva student conscription, safeguarding Haredi educational independence, and maintaining the status quo on religion and state. Asher stated his party will not join any coalition that does not commit to these principles beforehand, refusing to speculate on coalition talks.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- MK Yaakov Asher stated United Torah Judaism will not join any government without prior commitment to three key demands.
- The demands include a solution for yeshiva student conscription and preserving Haredi educational independence.
- Preserving the status quo on religion and state is the third non-negotiable condition.
- Asher warned against external interference in Haredi education and budget conditioning.
- He refused to speculate on coalition talks or provide predictions for government formation.
Member of Knesset Yaakov Asher of the United Torah Judaism party has outlined three fundamental conditions that his party requires before joining any future government. In an interview with Kikar HaShabat, Asher stated that his faction will not participate in any coalition that does not commit to these demands.
The first condition concerns the status of yeshiva students, demanding a comprehensive solution to the military conscription issue for yeshiva students and kollel members. Asher emphasized that this matter must be settled, declaring, "without it, there will be nothing."
The second condition focuses on preserving the independence of Haredi education, preventing any attempts to condition budgets or interfere with curriculum content. Asher warned against external attempts to dictate educational policies, stating, "Let no one try to think they will educate our children, and if we don't do as they tell us, they will withhold budgets from us."
The third condition is the preservation of the status quo in matters of religion and state. Asher clarified that this responsibility extends beyond Haredi communities, asserting, "The status quo in matters of religion and state is our responsibility to preserve the character of the entire country, not to preserve Bnei Brak and the Haredi neighborhoods in Jerusalem, but the responsibility for everything."
Asher unequivocally stated that without these conditions being met, United Torah Judaism will not be a partner in any government. When asked about the likelihood of reaching agreements with the "change bloc" and whether sufficient guarantees would replace legislation before government formation, Asher declined to provide specific predictions, advising patience and stating his aversion to gambling.
