Ultra-Orthodox Parties May Broker Netanyahu-Eisenkot Deal
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Ultra-Orthodox parties are considering mediating a unity government between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot to address conscription and budget issues and prevent new elections. Senior right-wing figures suggest the IDF has eased arrests of draft dodgers to aid Eisenkot's formation efforts. United Torah Judaism fears being the sole ultra-Orthodox partner without Shas, potentially facing policy conflicts. The delay in the ultra-Orthodox decision benefits Netanyahu but doesn't solve his majority challenge.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ultra-Orthodox parties may mediate a unity government between Netanyahu and Eisenkot.
- Parties aim to regulate conscription and budgets, avoiding further elections.
- IDF reportedly reduced draft dodger arrests to aid Eisenkot's government formation.
- United Torah Judaism fears policy conflicts if Shas does not join a government.
- The delay in ultra-Orthodox commitment hinders Eisenkot's government formation efforts.
Ultra-Orthodox parties are exploring the possibility of brokering a unity government between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and National Unity Party leader Gadi Eisenkot, according to sources within the ultra-Orthodox political system. This move is driven by a desire to regulate conscription and budget issues, and to avoid further elections. The alternative, a new election, carries the risk of prolonged uncertainty regarding yeshiva students' status, budget solutions, and ongoing enforcement crises.
Senior figures in the right-wing bloc claim that the IDF has recently reduced arrests of draft dodgers to avoid jeopardizing Eisenkot's efforts to form a government. "Today the IDF lowered the profile of draft dodger arrests and is doing it less, so as not to sabotage Eisenkot's effort to establish a government," the sources stated.
Within the United Torah Judaism party, there is concern that even if initial agreements are reached, secular and liberal partners might later advance policies contrary to ultra-Orthodox demands. A particular worry is joining a government without the Shas party, leaving United Torah Judaism as the sole ultra-Orthodox partner. In such a scenario, disagreements over the draft law or religious legislation could limit their ability to enforce agreements.
Consequently, the party deems Shas's inclusion crucial to help block such moves. Meanwhile, the delay in the ultra-Orthodox parties' decision benefits Netanyahu, as each day without their commitment to Eisenkot hinders his government formation. However, this delay does not resolve Netanyahu's own challenge of assembling a majority for an alternative government.
