Israeli Opposition Leaders Vie for Ultra-Orthodox Support in Government Formation
Translated & summarized from Arab48 by baba
Israeli opposition leaders Avigdor Lieberman and Gadi Eisenkot are competing to win over ultra-Orthodox parties, whose 13 seats are crucial for forming the next government. Naftali Bennett remains a sticking point due to his stance on the conscription law. Lieberman is reportedly pursuing a behind-the-scenes strategy to position himself for the premiership. Meanwhile, Likud is working to maintain its alliance with the ultra-Orthodox parties, offering them the Knesset speakership. The ultra-Orthodox condition the conscription law's passage as a government bill for coalition entry, creating a complex challenge for government formation.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Opposition leaders Avigdor Lieberman and Gadi Eisenkot are vying for ultra-Orthodox support to form Israel's next government.
- Naftali Bennett's refusal to compromise on the conscription law is a major obstacle to coalition talks.
- Avigdor Lieberman is reportedly working discreetly to position himself for the prime minister role with ultra-Orthodox backing.
- Likud is attempting to preserve its alliance with ultra-Orthodox parties by offering them the Knesset speakership.
- Ultra-Orthodox parties demand the conscription law be passed as a government bill before joining any coalition.
Opposition leaders in Israel are actively engaging with ultra-Orthodox parties in an effort to secure their 13 parliamentary seats, which could be decisive in forming the next government. A political contest is underway between Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, and Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the National Unity Party, to lead these outreach efforts. Meanwhile, Naftali Bennett, chairman of the "Bennett 2026" party, remains firm on his stance against concessions regarding the conscription law.
A high-ranking source within the "Change Bloc" told Kan 11 that Lieberman is attempting to forge understandings with the ultra-Orthodox parties discreetly. His goal is to outmaneuver Eisenkot and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the government formation race, positioning himself as a potential prime ministerial candidate with ultra-Orthodox backing once they falter. Lieberman reportedly aims to become indispensable to the inclusion of ultra-Orthodox parties in any governing coalition, enabling him to demand a premiership from Eisenkot and Bennett, even if Arab parties abstain from voting.
Kan 11 also reported that an unscheduled, brief meeting occurred at the Knesset between Yaakov Asher, head of the United Torah Judaism faction, and Lieberman. Asher initiated the encounter, entering Lieberman's office for a short discussion. Some within the "Change Bloc" fear that the ultra-Orthodox parties might leverage these overtures to send political messages to Netanyahu.
Earlier, Lieberman denied reports of negotiations with ultra-Orthodox parties on agreements that would freeze the conscription law, emphasizing that any such law must withstand Supreme Court scrutiny. He reiterated his opposition to a government reliant on Arab party support, suggesting that reports of talks with the ultra-Orthodox were intended to pave the way for a minority government backed by Arab parties.
Bennett's firm position on the conscription law presents a significant obstacle to negotiations. His refusal to compromise on key provisions complicates efforts to find a solution acceptable to both the ultra-Orthodox and the "Change Bloc." Eisenkot and Bennett were scheduled for a meeting to bridge their differences on the draft law, as the ultra-Orthodox view the party that can pass it as holding the key to joining the next government.
Contacts with the ultra-Orthodox are proceeding on two separate tracks: one led by Eisenkot, seeking a compromise between Bennett's demands and the ultra-Orthodox conditions, and another by Lieberman, pursuing an independent breakthrough to advance his prime ministerial ambitions.
Despite ongoing discussions, no final agreement has been reached, and no formal proposals have been presented to the ultra-Orthodox religious authorities, who hold the ultimate decision-making power. According to Yisrael Hayom, MK Yitzhak Pinderus of United Torah Judaism stated that decisions rest with Rabbis Dov Lando and Moshe Hillel Hirsch, noting the absence of any serious proposal for them at this stage. Pinderus added that ultra-Orthodox demands extend beyond conscription to include halting the arrest of yeshiva students, preserving religious status quo issues, and ensuring the autonomy of the ultra-Orthodox education system.
Concurrently, Likud party officials are intensifying efforts to thwart negotiations between the ultra-Orthodox and the "Change Bloc," aiming to preserve their historical alliance. Likud has reportedly increased contact with ultra-Orthodox Knesset members and figures close to their religious leadership. Likud has also proposed granting United Torah Judaism the speakership of the Knesset in exchange for their support of a Likud-backed candidate for the position, which would allow the ultra-Orthodox to influence the Knesset's agenda and prevent Lieberman from relying on Arab party votes, while also blocking a "Change Bloc" candidate from heading the parliament.
The core issue remains the ultra-Orthodox demand for the conscription law to be passed as a government bill before they officially join the coalition. They believe this format increases the likelihood of the law passing Supreme Court review and avoiding annulment. This condition creates a complex dilemma for government formation, as the "Change Bloc" needs the 13 ultra-Orthodox seats for a majority, but the ultra-Orthodox require a government capable of passing the conscription law first.
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