US, Arab States Prefer Haredi Parties in Israeli Government for Stability
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Haredi parties are considering joining a "change bloc" government in Israel, prioritizing issues like yeshiva student status and budgets, according to Yanki Farber. Farber claims the US and EU also prefer Haredi involvement for government stability and advancing diplomatic deals, seeing them as less problematic than right-wing factions. Arab nations reportedly share this view, seeking a stable Israeli government for regional diplomacy and viewing Haredi parties as more accommodating partners.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Haredi parties may join a "change bloc" government, prioritizing yeshiva student status and budgets.
- US and EU reportedly want a stable Israeli government to advance diplomatic arrangements.
- International actors see Haredi parties as less of an obstacle than right-wing figures.
- Arab nations desire a stable Israeli government for regional diplomacy.
- Arab sources view Haredi parties as more accommodating partners than right-wing figures.
Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties are considering joining a "change bloc" government, with their primary demands focused on resolving the conscription law and reinstating the status of yeshiva students, along with renewing budgets for Torah institutions, according to Yanki Farber, foreign correspondent for Behadrei Haredim. Farber stated in an interview with Arel Segall and Haim Levinson on 103FM that these issues supersede all other political considerations for the Haredi parties.
Farber suggested that while Shas might be hesitant to be the first to make such a move due to past political traumas, they would follow after United Torah Judaism. He also presented an international perspective, claiming that the European Union and the United States desire a stable Israeli government capable of advancing regional diplomatic arrangements. These international actors, he argued, view the Haredi parties as less of an obstacle to such agreements compared to ideological right-wing figures like Smotrich and Ben Gvir.
Within Israel's military, specifically the Manpower Directorate (AKA), there is reportedly a desire to regulate the status of yeshiva students, with plans to draft those not actively studying. However, the Supreme Court's reaction to potential broad exemptions without quotas or criminal sanctions remains an open question.
This perspective is echoed by reports from Roi Kais, head of Arab affairs at Kan 11, who indicates that Arab nations also seek a stable Israeli government to advance regional diplomatic settlements. These Arab sources reportedly see Haredi parties as more amenable partners than right-wing figures, as they lack extensive territorial ambitions and do not push for settlements in areas like Syria, Lebanon, or Gaza. They also believe the Haredi opposition to military service would not impede reasonable diplomatic agreements.
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