Netanyahu Warns Haredi Parties of Betrayal by 'Change Bloc'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is actively engaging with prominent rabbis and community leaders, urging them to reject joining a potential government led by Gadi Eisenkot. Netanyahu is warning the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties that the "Change Bloc" will use them and then discard them, particularly after the first budget is approved. His concern is that once the government is established and less reliant on Haredi support, it may renege on commitments, especially regarding the conscription law and other religious matters.

Netanyahu's camp suggests that many in the Haredi public are more aligned with the right and are hesitant to partner with liberal left-wing parties. They are attempting to persuade influential rabbis, like Dov Lando, who are seen as not automatically bound to the right and are evaluating options based on the needs of the Haredi public. The message conveyed is that while the Haredi parties have a "natural affinity" for the right due to its closer alignment with religious tradition, they should not automatically trust the "Change Bloc."

Within the Haredi parties, particularly United Torah Judaism, there is apprehension about joining a government without Shas, fearing they would be the sole Haredi partner facing secular and liberal factions. This situation could limit their leverage on issues like conscription and religious legislation. They are also concerned that the "Change Bloc" might secure their support with promises, only to abandon them after the budget's passage, especially if the government can rely on external support from parties like Ra'am and the Joint List.

Despite taking Netanyahu's warnings seriously, the Haredi parties are demanding to know what alternative he can offer. They question his ability to form a government and whether Eisenkot or other "Change Bloc" parties would agree to a unity government under his leadership. Currently, there is no indication that Eisenkot is amenable to such a proposal. Meanwhile, Avigdor Lieberman prefers Shas to be part of the initial coalition, while Aryeh Deri has not yet made a decision.