Bennett's Stance on Haredi Party Inclusion Fuels Coalition Doubts

Disagreements and doubts are escalating within Israel's "change bloc" regarding former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's position on forming a new government, according to an Israeli newspaper report. Bennett has not clearly stated his view on potentially including Haredi parties in the coalition, despite his consistent emphasis on equal military service burdens. The core dispute within the bloc centers on how to integrate the Haredi parties. Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yamina party, and Avigdor Lieberman, head of Yisrael Beiteinu, both favor including these parties but differ on the timing and conditions. Eisenkot believes waiting for Shas party head Aryeh Deri's approval could delay government formation and prefers a phased negotiation approach. Lieberman, however, thinks understandings can be reached with both Shas and United Torah Judaism from the outset, rather than relying on Shas joining later.

Amid these internal conflicts, questions are arising within the change bloc about Bennett's stance on potential compromises with the Haredi parties, particularly concerning concessions on mandatory conscription. Sources indicate Bennett has reduced his public appearances and remained silent on contentious issues and negotiations with the Haredim. Meanwhile, Lieberman faces criticism for dropping his veto on including Haredi parties, while Eisenkot is criticized for his willingness to bring them into the government. A source noted that Bennett continues to speak about his commitment to soldiers and the principle of equal service burdens, raising questions among potential partners about his actual position on proposed settlements with the Haredi parties, with one source stating, "It is not clear where he is heading."

Bennett previously posted on Facebook that redirecting budgets from those evading military service to those serving would be a top priority for his list in the upcoming parliamentary session. The newspaper also highlighted other doubts within the bloc concerning Bennett's commitment to the current coalition formula. Some officials speculate that Bennett might see new elections as an opportunity to boost his political standing, especially since his emphasis on equal military service and opposition to draft evasion were key messages in his election campaign. These suspicions are fueled by statements from members of Bennett's list about willingness to advance a conscription law as part of understandings with Haredi parties, raising questions about the bloc's consensus on the concessions needed for government formation. The newspaper stressed that the possibility of Bennett preferring new elections is based on estimates and fears conveyed by change bloc officials, not on any official statement from Bennett himself.