Change Bloc's Coalition With Haredim Faces Significant Hurdles, Analyst Says
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Political commentator Anna Barsky is less optimistic about forming a government coalition between the "Change Bloc" and ultra-Orthodox parties due to significant gaps and distrust. Key issues like the draft law remain unresolved, and Haredi parties fear the Change Bloc will act freely after the state budget is approved. While some ultra-Orthodox factions are willing to listen, concrete proposals are still lacking.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Political commentator Anna Barsky is less optimistic about a Change Bloc-Haredi coalition.
- Significant gaps and suspicion exist between the potential coalition partners.
- The draft law remains a core, unresolved issue for Haredi parties.
- Haredi parties distrust the Change Bloc's long-term agenda on religion and state.
- Haredim fear the Change Bloc will act freely after the state budget is approved.
Political commentator Anna Barsky expressed significant pessimism regarding the possibility of forming a government that includes the "Change Bloc" and ultra-Orthodox parties, such as United Torah Judaism and Shas. Speaking on Radio 103fm, Barsky noted that while it's early in the coalition talks, the deep-seated gaps and mutual suspicion between the parties remain substantial.
Despite the challenges, Barsky indicated that there is some openness on the ultra-Orthodox side to consider the proposals being discussed. Specifically, within the Lithuanian faction of United Torah Judaism, there is a willingness to listen and examine the offers from the Change Bloc, even if they are not rushing into agreements.
A primary obstacle to progress, according to Barsky, is the lack of concrete solutions on core issues, particularly the draft law. Ultra-Orthodox parties consider a resolution on conscription a prerequisite for any coalition partnership, and no tangible proposals have been presented yet.
Beyond the draft law, ultra-Orthodox parties harbor significant distrust towards the long-term intentions of the Change Bloc parties regarding religion and state issues. They are aware of statements made by representatives of the Democratic Party, as well as figures like Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, and recognize that their potential partners do not align with traditional values.
The main concern for the Haredim, Barsky explained, is not immediate actions upon government formation, but rather what might happen after the state budget is approved. They fear that once the budget passes, their ability to influence policy will be severely limited, allowing the Change Bloc to act according to its own agenda.
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