Shas Party Reaffirms Support for Netanyahu Amid Coalition Talks

Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, announced his willingness to form a government with the support of the ultra-Orthodox parties, a significant shift from his previous stance. This development comes after President Gadi Eisenkot received the mandate to form a government. However, the Shas party has officially rejected the possibility of joining a government led by Eisenkot. Shas stated unequivocally that, following instructions from the Council of Torah Sages, they recommended Benjamin Netanyahu to the President for government formation. This recommendation was based on Netanyahu's commitment to pass legislation regulating the status of yeshiva students. Consequently, Shas declared its continued support for Netanyahu and its refusal to engage in negotiations with any other party.

Lieberman's past criticism of the ultra-Orthodox parties was a hallmark of his political career, and he had pledged not to sit in a government with them. His current move to lift this boycott on both Shas and United Torah Judaism signals a potential realignment. The article also highlights a rift between the two ultra-Orthodox parties, which have historically acted in coordination. While United Torah Judaism is reportedly engaging in talks with the "change bloc" (opposing parties), Shas has firmly ruled out any such possibility.