Political Commentator Criticizes Netanyahu Amidst Ultra-Orthodox Party Negotiations
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Senior political commentator Yishai Cohen asserted that criticism of United Torah Judaism's negotiations should target Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he blamed for hindering the draft law. Cohen revealed details of recent meetings between ultra-Orthodox parties and the opposition, including a significant encounter with Avigdor Lieberman. The program also explored a new theory on seasonal preferences, the "Streisand Effect," and back-strengthening exercises.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Yishai Cohen stated complaints about United Torah Judaism's talks should target Prime Minister Netanyahu.
- Cohen blamed Netanyahu and Likud for failing to advance the draft law over four years.
- United Torah Judaism set three conditions for talks, including a draft law and education funding.
- A meeting occurred between United Torah Judaism and Avigdor Lieberman, a political adversary.
- The program discussed a new theory linking birth season to preferred weather.
- The "Streisand Effect" was explained, where censorship increases information spread.
Senior political commentator Yishai Cohen stated that complaints regarding the ultra-Orthodox party United Torah Judaism's negotiations should be directed at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, not the party itself. Cohen argued that Netanyahu and Likud members are responsible for failing to advance the draft law and breaking promises to rabbis over the past four years. He made these remarks during the program "Davar HaShavua" hosted by Moshe Mans, addressing recent attacks from the right, including from commentator Yinon Magal, against the party's engagement with the "change bloc" (a coalition of parties opposing Netanyahu).
Cohen detailed recent behind-the-scenes developments, including a first-ever official meeting between United Torah Judaism Chairman MK Yaakov Asher and Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman, who has been a political adversary of the ultra-Orthodox public. This meeting occurred shortly after Lieberman expressed interest in a draft law acceptable to Rabbi Dov Landau and the High Court. Cohen also revealed that Rabbi Landau had set three non-negotiable conditions for any talks: a draft law regulating yeshiva students' status, funding for ultra-Orthodox education without mandatory core studies, and maintaining the status quo on religion and state issues. He emphasized that Rabbi Landau had made it clear before the elections that United Torah Judaism was not automatically aligned with the right-wing bloc.
The program also featured a segment on a new sociological-climatic study by weather researcher Eli Gutelf, who proposed a direct link between a person's birth season and their preferred season. Gutelf challenged the notion of "winter people," suggesting that true enjoyment of cold weather is rare and often associated with the comforts of home. The discussion also touched upon the "Streisand Effect," where attempts to suppress information lead to its wider dissemination, using the singer Barbara Streisand's lawsuit over a photograph as a prime example. The program concluded with a fitness segment on strengthening back muscles with instructor Shimon Tzobali.
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