Netanyahu Urges Ultra-Orthodox MKs to Reject Eisenkot-Led Government Bid
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged ultra-Orthodox lawmakers in the Knesset not to support a government bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot, warning of threats to national security and Israel's Jewish identity. Netanyahu highlighted shared goals with the ultra-Orthodox, including finalizing yeshiva student status and passing a conscription law. He cautioned that promises made by Eisenkot's bloc would likely be broken if a "left-wing" government were formed, potentially with Arab party support.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged ultra-Orthodox lawmakers to reject Gadi Eisenkot's government formation bid.
- Netanyahu warned of threats to national security and Israel's Jewish identity from an Eisenkot-led government.
- He pledged to finalize yeshiva student status and pass a conscription law with ultra-Orthodox consensus.
- Netanyahu cautioned that promises made by Eisenkot's bloc would "evaporate" if a left-wing government is formed.
- Smotrich had previously warned ultra-Orthodox parties against negotiating with Eisenkot's bloc.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appealed to ultra-Orthodox lawmakers in the Knesset on Tuesday, urging them not to support a government bloc attempting to form a coalition without him, led by Gadi Eisenkot. Netanyahu warned that such a government poses a threat not only to national security but also to the Jewish identity of the State of Israel. He stated that a shared mission with the ultra-Orthodox community is to finalize legislation regarding the status of yeshiva students and to pass a conscription law with broad consensus.
Speaking from the Knesset podium, Netanyahu addressed the ultra-Orthodox as "brothers," emphasizing that a "narrow government" led by Eisenkot should not be formed. He asserted that the ultra-Orthodox "represent a large part of the public, deeply concerned about the Jewish identity of the state, a public that loves Israel and is rooted in the heart of the Land of Israel." Netanyahu claimed his bloc "has preserved and will continue to preserve the sacred values of Israel," implying that partners in a "narrow government" would not share these values.
Netanyahu also reiterated his commitment to completing the legalization of yeshiva students' status and passing a conscription law with the spiritual leadership of the ultra-Orthodox, a promise he has made for over a decade. He cautioned the ultra-Orthodox against trusting the bloc led by Eisenkot, suggesting they would be "promised the world" but that these promises would "evaporate" once a "left-wing" government is formed, potentially with the support of Arab parties.
This appeal follows a similar warning from Smotrich to the ultra-Orthodox not to engage with Eisenkot's bloc. Reports indicate that even if Eisenkot were to reach an agreement with the ultra-Orthodox parties, he might face unexpected political challenges.
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