Eisenkot Government Talks Advance with Haredim Amid Netanyahu Obstruction Efforts

Estimates in Israel vary regarding the chances of forming a government led by Gadi Eisenkot, with reports indicating significant progress in negotiations between the anti-Netanyahu bloc and Haredi parties. However, Likud sources believe Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has succeeded in hindering these talks, following a lengthy meeting with a senior official from the United Torah Judaism party.

According to reports from Israeli public broadcaster Kan 11 and Channel 12, Haredi parties have become central to Eisenkot's efforts to form the next government, despite disagreements over the conscription law and religion-state legislation. This comes as an alternative path to form a government relying on the support of Arab parties from outside the coalition faces difficulties.

Kan 11, citing multiple political sources, reported that negotiations with Haredi parties are far more advanced than media reports suggest, with understandings rapidly crystallizing. The anti-Netanyahu bloc is reportedly willing to form a government even before a new Haredi conscription law is passed. Conversely, Channel 12 reported Likud assessments that the party has managed to halt the negotiations' progress after Netanyahu met with Yaakov Asher, a senior United Torah Judaism official, on Monday evening. Likud believed days earlier that Haredi parties joining an Eisenkot government was almost certain, but now believes it has persuaded them not to abandon their support without immediate gains.

However, these assessments do not signify the end of negotiations. Kan 11 suggests continued progress, while Channel 12 reflects Likud's belief in the success of its efforts to slow or obstruct the talks, with no final agreement announced.

Haredi parties have demanded Eisenkot pledge to freeze legislation related to religion and state throughout the next government's term. These demands include issues of funding for Haredi education, reforms to kosher certification oversight, and public transportation on Saturdays. The United Torah Judaism party seeks a prior commitment not to implement a series of election promises from the anti-Netanyahu bloc, such as not conditioning government funding for Haredi educational institutions on the full teaching of core curriculum subjects, not reinstating reforms to kosher oversight, and not advancing reforms to the conversion process. The party also wants to maintain gender segregation in academic institutions and preserve the law expanding the authority of rabbinical courts.

The conscription law is another key negotiation point. Eisenkot and Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman agreed on Monday to seek understandings with the Shas and United Torah Judaism parties. The proposed formula involves Haredi parties supporting an Eisenkot government in exchange for a conscription law with less stringent conditions than those proposed during the election campaign. Both sides have proposals for conscription arrangements, awaiting the Haredi parties' response. Efforts are underway to exchange concessions, including easing penalties for draft evaders and approving a government plan to increase Haredi conscription. Eisenkot's Yesh Atid party has been discussing with Haredi businessmen and entrepreneurs ways to develop military service tracks for Haredim, expand institutions combining religious study with military service, and appoint a government official to advance the conscription plan.

Channel 12 noted a significant obstacle for Haredi parties: the difficulty of passing a draft exemption law before government formation due to time constraints and legal opinions. This limits the anti-Netanyahu bloc's ability to offer immediate legislative reciprocation to the Haredi parties, complicating the path to a final agreement.

Naftali Bennett's position is also a crucial factor. Kan 11 reported that Bennett is not participating in current negotiations with Haredi parties, though his decision could be decisive if a final formula is reached. He would be asked to determine his willingness to compromise on Haredi conscription demands, balancing his political commitments to those serving in the military with the potential to oust Netanyahu. Bennett and Lieberman had agreed to assign Eisenkot, as head of the bloc, to lead negotiations with Haredi parties, though Yamina and Yesh Atid factions believe Lieberman is conducting separate contacts. Bennett's party members are expected to demand clarifications on the limits of concessions during a faction meeting on Wednesday.

Difficulties also persist regarding reliance on Arab parties. Channel 12 reported sharp criticism from bloc officials against Lieberman, accusing him of daily undermining the possibility of forming a government with the support of Arab parties. This stance obstructs a swift government formation with external Arab parliamentary support, while the alternative path involving Haredi parties may be lengthy and complex.