Ultra-Orthodox Party Demands Eisenkot Include Shas in Government
Translated & summarized from Kipa by baba
Gadi Eisenkot's efforts to form a government are complicated by internal disagreements within the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party regarding the inclusion of Shas. While some within the party, like Motty Bapchik, support a partnership with Eisenkot, others, such as Meir Porush, demand concrete achievements beforehand. The final decision rests with key figures like Rabbi Dov Landau and Yaakov Asher. Simultaneously, Avigdor Lieberman advocates for including Shas earlier, contrasting with Eisenkot's phased approach, and Arie Deri's willingness to join remains uncertain.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- United Torah Judaism reportedly wants Shas included in any government with Gadi Eisenkot.
- Internal divisions exist within United Torah Judaism over coalition strategy and demands.
- Motty Bapchik seeks guarantees, while Meir Porush demands pre-coalition achievements.
- Avigdor Lieberman favors early Shas inclusion, differing from Eisenkot's phased approach.
- Arie Deri's decision on joining Eisenkot's government remains a key uncertainty.
Efforts by Gadi Eisenkot to form a government with the support of ultra-Orthodox parties are facing internal challenges within the "change bloc." While Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, wants to bring Shas into the coalition early on, Eisenkot prefers to proceed with United Torah Judaism first and add Arie Deri's party later. However, this phased approach is also encountering difficulties.
United Torah Judaism is reportedly hesitant to be the sole ultra-Orthodox party in a government reliant on the abstention or support of Arab parties. Concerns exist that without Shas, they will struggle to advance their key demands, particularly the draft law and the status of yeshiva students. This internal division within the ultra-Orthodox bloc complicates Eisenkot's coalition-building efforts.
Within the change bloc itself, there is no consensus on how to integrate the ultra-Orthodox parties. Eisenkot believes waiting for Deri's agreement could delay government formation, favoring a step-by-step process. Lieberman, conversely, thinks it's possible to reach agreements with both ultra-Orthodox parties from the outset. Other coalition partners are currently observing the negotiations, offering only statements of support for Eisenkot.
The decision-making process within United Torah Judaism is complex, with no single figure holding exclusive authority. Motty Bapchik, a prominent figure in Agudat Yisrael and close to the Gerer Rebbe, is working to advance a partnership with Eisenkot but requires guarantees that agreements will be implemented. In contrast, Meir Porush is demanding tangible achievements before joining the government, such as significant progress on the draft law, rather than relying on coalition agreement promises.
The final decision is expected to depend on the stances of Rabbi Dov Landau, his associate David Shapira, Degel HaTorah chairman Yaakov Asher, and the leadership of the Ger community. The internal divisions within United Torah Judaism make it difficult for Eisenkot, as agreement with one faction does not guarantee the support of the entire list. Meanwhile, Arie Deri's position remains a significant question mark, with no certainty at this stage whether he will agree to join Eisenkot's proposed government.
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