Netanyahu Accused of Slowing Coalition Talks Amid Ultra-Orthodox Negotiations

Negotiations are ongoing between the bloc opposing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the ultra-Orthodox parties, aiming to form a government led by Gadi Eisenkot. Reports indicate progress in discussions and emerging understandings on conscription laws and religious-state legislation. However, Likud estimates suggest Netanyahu has successfully hindered these efforts.

According to Israeli public broadcaster Kan 11 and Channel 12, the ultra-Orthodox parties have become central to government formation attempts, as an alternative path relying on external support from Arab parties falters due to internal disagreements within the anti-Netanyahu bloc. Kan 11 sources stated that negotiations with the ultra-Orthodox are advanced, with understandings rapidly crystallizing, and the anti-Netanyahu bloc is prepared to form a government even before a new conscription law for the ultra-Orthodox is passed. Conversely, Channel 12 reported that Likud assessments indicate Netanyahu's success in slowing negotiations following a lengthy meeting with Knesset Member Yaakov Asher, a senior figure in the United Torah Judaism party, at the Prime Minister's office.

The ultra-Orthodox parties are demanding a freeze on religious-state legislation throughout the next government's term. This includes issues such as funding for ultra-Orthodox education, reforms to kosher food supervision, and public transportation operation on Saturdays. They also seek to avoid conditioning government funding for their educational institutions on the full teaching of core curriculum subjects, and wish to maintain gender segregation in academic institutions and preserve the law expanding the authority of rabbinical courts.

The primary dispute also involves the ultra-Orthodox conscription law. Eisenkot and Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman agreed on Monday to seek understandings with the Shas and United Torah Judaism parties. The proposed framework involves the ultra-Orthodox parties supporting an Eisenkot-led government in exchange for a conscription law with less stringent conditions than those proposed by the anti-Netanyahu bloc during the election campaign. Discussions are underway regarding proposals to ease penalties for draft dodgers, in return for a government plan to increase ultra-Orthodox enlistment, including specialized service tracks and expanded institutions combining religious study with military service.

Channel 12 noted legal and time constraints in passing an exemption law before government formation, limiting the bloc's ability to offer immediate legislative concessions. Yamina party leader Naftali Bennett's stance is a key factor, as he is not participating in current talks with the ultra-Orthodox parties, though his approval could be decisive. Kan 11 reported that Bennett will be asked to define his willingness to compromise on ultra-Orthodox conscription demands, given his political commitment to those serving in the military. Bennett and Lieberman had agreed to assign leadership of negotiations with the ultra-Orthodox parties to Eisenkot, while estimates within Yamina and Yachad suggest Lieberman is conducting separate contacts with ultra-Orthodox representatives.

Meanwhile, the option of forming a government with external support from Arab parties faces internal disagreements within the anti-Netanyahu bloc. Channel 12 cited officials in the bloc criticizing Lieberman for allegedly hindering the possibility of a government based on Arab party support. This division presents the bloc with two distinct paths: reaching an agreement with the ultra-Orthodox parties, requiring concessions on conscription and religious legislation, or forming a government with external Arab support, a path obstructed by internal political disputes. Israeli reports reflect differing assessments of the negotiations' success, with Kan 11 suggesting rapid progress and Likud estimates pointing to Netanyahu's success in delaying them, with no final agreement reached yet.