Netanyahu Meets Ultra-Orthodox Leader, Efforts to Block Eisenkot Government Intensify
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with MK Yaakov Asher of United Torah Judaism in a late-night discussion aimed at preventing ultra-Orthodox parties from joining a potential government led by Gadi Eisenkot. Likud claims to have successfully dissuaded the ultra-Orthodox parties from joining without immediate concessions, while also noting legislative hurdles for them. Meanwhile, the change bloc criticizes Avigdor Lieberman for hindering efforts to form a government reliant on Arab party support, leaving Eisenkot's coalition-building options stalled.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Netanyahu met with MK Yaakov Asher of United Torah Judaism late Monday night.
- Likud claims to have halted ultra-Orthodox parties' potential entry into a Gadi Eisenkot government.
- Ultra-Orthodox parties are reportedly unwilling to join without immediate political gains.
- Legislative progress on conscription exemption for the ultra-Orthodox is seen as unlikely before government formation.
- The change bloc accuses Avigdor Lieberman of obstructing a government reliant on Arab party support.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held an extended late-night meeting with Member of Knesset Yaakov Asher of the United Torah Judaism party. The meeting, which took place at the Prime Minister's Office, occurred amidst Likud's efforts to prevent the ultra-Orthodox parties from joining a government led by Gadi Eisenkot.
Sources within Likud expressed confidence on Monday that they had succeeded in halting discussions for the ultra-Orthodox parties to join Eisenkot's government. Initially, Likud believed the ultra-Orthodox parties' entry into such a government was nearly finalized. However, following their recent efforts, Likud now believes they have persuaded these parties not to relinquish their key bargaining chip, support for government formation, without immediate gains. A significant hurdle remains for the ultra-Orthodox parties, as advancing legislation for a conscription exemption before government formation appears highly improbable due to time constraints and legal opinions, suggesting a long road to agreement with the change bloc.
Simultaneously, the possibility of forming a government with the support of Arab parties is facing obstacles. Figures within the change bloc are criticizing Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, accusing him of "daily eliminating" the prospect of such a government. This situation leaves Eisenkot's two primary paths to forming a government seemingly stalled: the option of a swift government supported externally by Arab parties is not progressing, while forming a coalition with the ultra-Orthodox parties requires complex and lengthy negotiations.
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