Ultra-Orthodox Parties Demand High Price for Coalition Entry
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
Israeli "Change bloc" parties are in talks with ultra-Orthodox parties Shas and United Torah Judaism regarding coalition formation, with significant disagreements on issues like military conscription and religious affairs. While progress is reported through a secret channel, the secular parties are hesitant to abandon their liberal platforms, and the ultra-Orthodox parties are demanding substantial concessions. Potential flashpoints include Shabbat observance, civil unions, LGBTQ+ rights, and educational reforms, raising concerns about a prolonged political crisis.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Ultra-Orthodox parties Shas and United Torah Judaism are demanding significant concessions for coalition entry.
- Negotiations between the Change bloc and ultra-Orthodox parties are ongoing via a secret channel.
- Key disagreements exist over military conscription for yeshiva students.
- Secular parties are reluctant to compromise on core liberal principles regarding religion and state.
- Potential flashpoints include Shabbat observance, civil unions, and LGBTQ+ rights.
- Experts warn of a potential "permanent political crisis" due to deep-seated disagreements.
Negotiations between Israel's secular "Change bloc" parties and ultra-Orthodox parties are showing "movement," according to a senior bloc official, though specific compromises and red lines remain undisclosed. The ultra-Orthodox parties Shas and United Torah Judaism are signaling that their support for Netanyahu will come at a significant cost, while Gadi Eisenkot's allies are reluctant to abandon their campaign promises entirely.
A secret channel is reportedly facilitating dialogue between Eisenkot and the ultra-Orthodox party leaders to explore potential cooperation. Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, is not participating in these direct talks, despite meeting with United Torah Judaism chairman Yaakov Asher. The Change bloc parties, which campaigned on liberal and sometimes anti-ultra-Orthodox platforms, face a dilemma: their progressive agenda on religion and state issues may need to be significantly scaled back to accommodate ultra-Orthodox demands for government participation.
Analysis suggests the ultra-Orthodox leaders are disappointed with Netanyahu and are encouraged by the Change bloc's apparent willingness to compromise. However, deep disagreements persist, particularly on the issue of military conscription for yeshiva students, a core demand for the ultra-Orthodox community. While some in the Change bloc are open to flexibility on conscription, they are unwilling to concede fundamental principles regarding religion and state.
Beyond conscription, ultra-Orthodox demands include issues like the "Mishkan case" of 1999, where a religious dispute over Saturday work led to a party leaving the government. The Change bloc has proposed legislation on civil unions, public transportation on Saturdays, and LGBTQ+ rights, all of which are potential flashpoints. They also aim to reform ultra-Orthodox educational networks by requiring the teaching of core subjects, a move strongly opposed by the ultra-Orthodox parties.
Experts warn that bridging the gap on core civil issues, the autonomy of ultra-Orthodox education, and coalition funding could lead to a "permanent political crisis" if not meticulously addressed. Key sticking points include Shabbat observance, conversion laws, the authority of rabbinical courts, and potential benefits for those who served in the military at the expense of others.
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