United Torah Judaism Sets Non-Negotiable Terms for Coalition Talks
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
United Torah Judaism has informed the "Change Bloc" that it will not compromise on three core demands regarding yeshiva students, Haredi education, and the status quo of religion and state. A senior party official stated the focus is on protecting Torah study, not on political maneuvering against Benjamin Netanyahu. These conditions were reiterated by MK Yaakov Asher, who asserted the party would not join any coalition without prior commitment to these demands. The stance comes amid ongoing talks with the Change Bloc, which is reportedly considering a temporary freeze on Haredi conscription enforcement.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- United Torah Judaism demands three non-negotiable conditions for coalition participation.
- The party's core demands concern yeshiva student conscription, Haredi education autonomy, and religion-state status quo.
- A senior official stated the party's priority is safeguarding Torah study, not opposing Netanyahu.
- MK Yaakov Asher affirmed no coalition partnership without prior commitment to the three conditions.
- The party's stance comes amid ongoing talks with the Gadi Eisenkot-led "Change Bloc."
The United Torah Judaism party has conveyed a firm message to the "Change Bloc" leadership, stating that under the directive of their spiritual leaders, they will not compromise on three core conditions in any upcoming political negotiations. A senior party official explained that the primary goal is to safeguard the world of Torah study, not to remove Benjamin Netanyahu from power. This stance aligns with recent statements by David Shapira, grandson of Rabbi A.I. Steinman and a close associate of Rabbi Dov Lando, who emphasized that Rabbi Lando's position is not driven by opposition to Netanyahu but by concern for Torah institutions.
The party's official position, as articulated by MK Yaakov Asher, hinges on three fundamental principles. The first condition concerns the arrangement for yeshiva students and kollel members, demanding a comprehensive solution to their conscription status. "This must be settled, and without it, there will be nothing," Asher declared.
The second condition focuses on the autonomy of Haredi education, with the party insisting on preventing any interference in curriculum or budget allocations for these institutions. "Let no one try to think they will educate our children, and if we don't do as they tell us, they will withhold our budgets," Asher stated.
The third condition pertains to maintaining the status quo in matters of religion and state, a principle the party believes is crucial for the nation's overall character, not just for Haredi communities. "The status quo in religion and state is our responsibility to preserve the character of the entire country, not just Bnei Brak and the Haredi neighborhoods of Jerusalem, but responsibility for everything," Asher emphasized.
Asher concluded definitively that without these conditions being met, United Torah Judaism would not partner with any political faction. These messages emerge amidst advanced discussions between United Torah Judaism and the Change Bloc, led by Gadi Eisenkot. Last week, MK Asher met with Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, to discuss potential agreements on the conscription law. The Change Bloc is reportedly considering a proposal to freeze the enforcement of Haredi conscription and arrests of draft dodgers for up to a year post-government formation, during which a mutually agreeable conscription law would be drafted. However, United Torah Judaism leaders maintain that partnership is impossible without prior commitment to their three demands.
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