Arab Party Leaders Consult With United Torah Judaism on Coalition Talks
Translated & summarized from Kan News by baba
Leaders of Arab parties Ra'am and the Joint List are consulting with United Torah Judaism officials about coalition negotiations with the "change bloc." Mansour Abbas recommended UTJ engage with the bloc on a conscription law to gain legitimacy and influence. While UTJ denies political talks, past parliamentary cooperation between Arab and Haredi parties on issues like the Kaminitz Law and military draft exemptions is noted.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Arab parties Ra'am and Joint List are in contact with United Torah Judaism regarding coalition talks.
- Mansour Abbas suggested UTJ discuss a conscription law with the "change bloc."
- Yaakov Asher of UTJ spoke with Abbas and Ahmed Tibi, denying political motives.
- Past parliamentary cooperation between Arab and Haredi parties is highlighted.
- The Kaminitz Law and religious exemptions for women's military service are cited examples.
Leaders of the Arab parties Ra'am and the Joint List are in ongoing contact with senior officials from United Torah Judaism (UTJ). These discussions aim to update each other on negotiations they are conducting with the "change bloc" of parties seeking to form a government. The report, first published by Kan News on Thursday, indicates that Mansour Abbas, head of Ra'am, suggested to UTJ officials that they engage with the change bloc regarding legislation for a conscription law. Abbas reportedly believes this could legitimize a relaxed draft arrangement across political divides and position Ra'am as a key player. Yaakov Asher of UTJ has spoken with Abbas and Joint List MK Ahmed Tibi in recent days, though Asher's office stated these were casual conversations unrelated to political negotiations. Historically, Arab and Haredi parties have collaborated on parliamentary matters. For instance, in early 2020, Moshe Gafni, then chairman of the Knesset Finance Committee, supported Tibi's initiative to freeze the Kaminitz Law, a demand currently made by the Joint List to the "change bloc." In 2021, Ra'am withdrew its support for a committee to examine religious exemptions from military service for women at UTJ's request, leading to the proposal's removal from the agenda.
Mentioned
