Netanyahu Urges Ultra-Orthodox Parties Against Joining Eisenkot Government

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is actively working to prevent ultra-Orthodox parties from joining a potential government led by Gadi Eisenkot. Netanyahu is engaging with rabbis, using mediators, and seeking support from religious leaders, warning them of the potential downsides of such a coalition, according to Maariv. Sources involved in the negotiations indicate Netanyahu is personally contacting rabbis and sending representatives to ultra-Orthodox leadership, aiming to broaden support among religious authorities outside the main leadership.

Netanyahu's primary argument is that Eisenkot's potential government could secure ultra-Orthodox support to form a coalition, only to become independent after the state budget is approved. He suggests that such a government might then rely on Arab parties, leaving the ultra-Orthodox politicians with diminished influence. Netanyahu's circle believes the ultra-Orthodox could be left vulnerable if their new partners renege on agreements concerning conscription laws and other religious and state matters after the government is formed.

Netanyahu's Likud party is reportedly warning ultra-Orthodox politicians that promises from Eisenkot's bloc regarding legislation, even if favorable, may not be kept. His supporters fear that once the first budget is passed, the coalition could discard its reliance on the ultra-Orthodox, likening the situation to being "used and thrown out."

However, the ultra-Orthodox parties are hesitant to fully commit to Netanyahu's position without a concrete alternative. They are seeking to understand if Netanyahu can form a new coalition without necessitating new elections. Netanyahu reportedly believes that engaging only with Rabbi Dov Lando and the senior Ashkenazi ultra-Orthodox leadership is insufficient, and is trying to involve second-tier rabbis who may be more aligned with the right-wing and wary of cooperation with left-leaning parties.

Within the ultra-Orthodox camp, there is no unified stance. Decisions for the United Torah Judaism party are influenced by various rabbis, politicians, and public figures. Moti Babchik, an influential figure in Agudat Yisrael, supports exploring cooperation with Eisenkot but demands guarantees for the community's interests. Others, like Knesset Member Meir Porush, insist on tangible actions, such as the approval of conscription legislation, before signing any coalition agreement.

United Torah Judaism is also concerned about joining a government without the Shas party, which could leave them as the sole ultra-Orthodox representative among secular and liberal partners, weakening their negotiating position. They desire Shas's participation to strengthen their collective influence. Eisenkot's side is open to potentially forming a government with United Torah Judaism first, assuming Ra'am abstains, with Shas joining later. Avigdor Lieberman, however, prefers Shas's early involvement. Shas leader Aryeh Deri has not yet finalized his position. United Torah Judaism wants a definitive answer from Netanyahu on whether he can form a government and if Eisenkot or other "Change Bloc" parties would agree to a national unity government led by Netanyahu, a scenario for which there is currently no indication of Eisenkot's support.