Netanyahu's Camp Weighs Strategy Amid Election Uncertainty

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's inner circle is reportedly divided on how to proceed following recent election results that did not yield a clear victory for his bloc. One faction, closely associated with Netanyahu's family, advocates for continuing a campaign to delegitimize Arab parties and question the election's outcome. This approach includes ongoing attacks on the possibility of a government relying on their support. Conversely, a second group of advisors suggests Netanyahu should reconsider his strategy and pursue a unity government. This internal debate was evident in Netanyahu's recent speech, where he simultaneously called for national responsibility and unity while also strongly criticizing the potential for a government supported by Arab parties, a theme he initiated after the initial election projections.

Amidst this strategic ambiguity, Netanyahu is reportedly making significant efforts to split the United Torah Judaism (UTJ) party to prevent the formation of an alternative government. Earlier this week, MKs Meir Porush and Eliezer Stark met with David Shapira, a key figure within Rabbi Dov Lando's circle and Degel HaTorah, who is managing contacts with the opposition bloc. Porush and Stark, considered more aligned with the right-wing faction of UTJ and potentially finding it harder to break their historical partnership with Netanyahu, sought to understand how the draft law could be advanced within a government involving opposition parties and if their demands could be met. Stark later met directly with Netanyahu.

Netanyahu is reportedly striving to keep Stark and the right-wing faction of UTJ within his bloc, viewing their allegiance as crucial to preventing the collapse of his national camp and the establishment of a rival government. David Shapira, described as influential behind the scenes of Lithuanian leadership, clarified Rabbi Lando's position, stating that his concern is for the world of Torah, not specifically for Netanyahu. This clarification comes amid reports of overtures from the "change bloc" to the Haredi parties. Notably, Avigdor Lieberman removed the slogan "The end of the era of Netanyahu and Haredi rule" from his Facebook page, interpreted by some as a signal of shifting his stance towards the Haredi community. Meanwhile, MK Meir Porush has introduced two key bills aimed at regulating the status of yeshiva students, seeking to permanently anchor their status as Torah scholars who are exempt from military service under specific conditions.