Ultra-Orthodox Parties Set Condition for Joining Eisenkot's Government
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
Gadi Eisenkot's efforts to form a new Israeli government are stalled by ultra-Orthodox parties' demand to include Shas from the start. Leader Avigdor Lieberman also insists on immediate agreements with both Haredi factions. Internal divisions within the United Torah Judaism party and disagreements over the military conscription law further complicate negotiations. The inclusion of Shas, led by Aryeh Deri, is seen as crucial for the Haredi bloc's negotiating power.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Ultra-Orthodox parties demand Shas's inclusion in Gadi Eisenkot's coalition from the outset.
- Avigdor Lieberman also insists on immediate agreements with both ultra-Orthodox parties.
- Internal divisions within the United Torah Judaism party complicate negotiations.
- The draft law concerning military conscription is a key demand for Haredi parties.
- Eisenkot's coalition plans face uncertainty regarding Arab party abstentions.
- Lieberman is set to chair the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.
Negotiations led by Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yishar party, to form a new government have encountered significant obstacles due to disagreements with Avigdor Lieberman and demands from the United Torah Judaism (UTJ) party. The primary hurdle is UTJ's insistence on including the Shas party, led by Aryeh Deri, in the coalition from the outset. Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, advocates for immediate agreements encompassing both ultra-Orthodox parties. Eisenkot, however, prefers a phased approach, aiming to secure UTJ's support first and address Shas's inclusion later.
Eisenkot is reportedly considering a scenario where the Arab party Ra'am abstains from a confidence vote, potentially allowing a coalition with UTJ even without Shas. This strategy, however, faces uncertainty, as Ra'am's abstention is not guaranteed, nor is UTJ's willingness to join without Shas. Reports suggest UTJ may not support a government dependent on Arab parties if Shas is excluded, making coalition formation nearly impossible without Deri's party.
The core of the dispute between Eisenkot and Lieberman lies in negotiation tactics rather than the ultimate goal of including Haredi parties. Lieberman fears that delaying Shas's inclusion could prolong the process, while Eisenkot believes demanding Deri's agreement from the start could stall progress.
Internal divisions within UTJ further complicate matters, with various religious and political leaders holding differing views. Motti Babchik favors cooperation but seeks guarantees for future agreements, while Meir Porush insists on concrete legislative progress, particularly on the draft law concerning military conscription, before joining the government. The final decision rests with Rabbi Dov Landau, his associates, Yaakov Asher, and the Gur Hasidism leadership.
Haredi parties are cautious due to concerns about being the sole ultra-Orthodox faction in a secular or liberal government and the potential reliance on Arab parties. Their ability to secure key demands, especially regarding military conscription and the legal status of yeshiva students, could be jeopardized. Shas's participation would strengthen the Haredi bloc's negotiating position. Meanwhile, Lieberman is slated to head the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, a position he has not yet assumed or received intelligence briefings for.
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