Change Bloc Pushes for Rapid Progress in Talks with Haredi Parties

Negotiations between the "Change Bloc" and Haredi parties are advancing rapidly behind the scenes, according to political sources. The Change Bloc believes Haredi parties are willing to join a government even without an immediate conscription law, with a softened draft proposal on the table, as reported by Kan News. The Haredi parties, specifically United Torah Judaism, are demanding a freeze on legislation concerning religion and state matters throughout the government's term. These demands include public transportation on Shabbat, kashrut and conversion reforms, core curriculum studies, and expanding the authority of rabbinical courts. They want Gadi Eisenkot to commit to shelving these legislative initiatives early in the talks.

The negotiations gained momentum after a meeting between Eisenkot and Avigdor Lieberman, where they agreed to pursue talks with Shas and United Torah Judaism. The emerging framework suggests Haredi support for a government led by Eisenkot in exchange for a revised conscription law. Both Haredi parties have presented their draft proposal, and the Change Bloc awaits their response. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, though not directly involved in current talks, may hold a key to finalizing the deal. Bennett and Lieberman agreed that Eisenkot would lead the negotiations as bloc leader, but there are suspicions that Lieberman is conducting separate discussions with the Haredi parties. Meanwhile, Knesset members from Bennett's party are expected to seek clarification on the extent of concessions their party is willing to make regarding the conscription framework during a faction meeting.