Shas Party Reaffirms Support for Netanyahu, Rejects Talks with 'Change Bloc'
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
The Shas party declared its continued support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and its refusal to negotiate with the "Change Bloc." This statement follows reports of political overtures to Haredi parties and conditions set by United Torah Judaism MK Yaakov Asher for joining a government. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also urged Haredi parties to resist the "Change Bloc's" offers. Haredi parties are reportedly seeking legal assurances regarding conscription and other religious matters.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Shas party reaffirms its support for Benjamin Netanyahu and rejects talks with the 'Change Bloc'.
- United Torah Judaism MK Yaakov Asher set three conditions for joining any government.
- Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich warned Haredi parties against accepting offers from the 'Change Bloc'.
- Haredi parties are seeking legal assurances on conscription and religious status issues.
- Gadi Eisenkot and Avigdor Lieberman are reportedly prioritizing talks with Haredi factions for coalition building.
The Shas party issued a firm statement Tuesday, clarifying its political stance amidst recent discussions in the political arena. The declaration comes in response to reports of potential negotiations between Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties and the "Change Bloc," and following comments made by United Torah Judaism MK Yaakov Asher regarding coalition entry conditions.
Shas emphasized that, under the directive of the Council of Torah Sages, it recommended Benjamin Netanyahu for prime minister after he committed to advancing legislation for the status of yeshiva students. "In light of recent interviews and statements, we wish to clarify again," the party stated. "Shas continues to support Netanyahu and is not conducting negotiations with any other party."
This clear message arrives as reports circulate about overtures from the "Change Bloc" to Haredi parties. MK Yaakov Asher had previously outlined three non-negotiable conditions for joining any government: regulating the status of yeshiva students, ensuring the autonomy of Haredi education, and maintaining the status quo on religion and state. Asher stated, "Without these conditions, we will not be partners. Period."
Meanwhile, figures within the "Right Bloc" are pressuring the Haredi parties. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich urged Matan Kahana, designated as the "Change Bloc's" Knesset Speaker, not to accept the role, warning Haredi parties not to fall into a "honey trap."
Reports indicate that Prime Minister Netanyahu's direct attempts to engage with rabbis, including offering to send envoys, were met with refusal. A source within the Haredi parties described the Prime Minister's Office's pressure as "chaos." Concurrently, Gadi Eisenkot announced the formation of a negotiation team led by Yoav Horowitz to manage coalition talks, with Eisenkot and Avigdor Lieberman reportedly prioritizing discussions with Haredi factions.
Further details reveal the Haredi parties' legal and political demands, including a temporary measure to freeze general conscription for 12-18 months, cancel draft dodger arrests, and avoid economic sanctions. A key demand is a legal "pre-ruling" from Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and the legal advisor of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Miri Frankel-Shor, to guarantee their proposed arrangements will be defended in the High Court of Justice (Bagatz).
Shas's announcement reaffirms its loyalty to the Council of Torah Sages' decision and its recommendation for Netanyahu, indicating no deviation from this path. The central question remains whether United Torah Judaism will adopt a similar stance or continue exploring its political options.
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