Bennett Urges Pressure on Haredim in Private Talks, Remains Silent Publicly

Former Prime Minister and "Achva" party chairman Naftali Bennett is maintaining public silence regarding coalition negotiations, but in private discussions, he advocates for a firm stance with the Haredi parties. While other party leaders in the "change bloc" are vocal about forming a government, Bennett is keeping his preferences close to his chest, avoiding statements that might reveal his desired coalition partners.

Bennett's election campaign heavily emphasized a "servants' alliance" and promised to prioritize the needs of those serving in the IDF. He has not directly addressed the possibility of forming a government that includes the Haredi parties, even after Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman expressed willingness to sit with them, contrary to his own campaign pledges.

According to a report by Walla!, Bennett has not yet decided whether he prefers a government relying on the support of Arab parties or one that includes the Haredi factions, which would necessitate compromises on the conscription issue. However, in closed-door conversations, Bennett's strategy for the "change bloc" is clear: "We must threaten the Haredim, not beg them. We must make them want to come. We must show them how much they will lose if they don't come. Continue with the servants' alliance with all your might and make them come out of fear of what will happen if they don't."

Bennett opposes offering significant concessions to the Haredi parties to secure their entry into the coalition. He believes that advancing the principles of his election campaign, particularly regarding conscription reform and increased benefits for service members, will pressure the Haredim into joining the government rather than remaining in the opposition. Last Tuesday, Bennett publicly stated he was "doing everything to help Eisenkot form a Zionist correction government and bring about the servants' revolution," but avoided direct mention of the Haredim. He also warned his party activists of "not insignificant struggles ahead."

Bennett's office stated that he and the "Achva" party are committed to the "servants' revolution" as an urgent necessity for Israel and the IDF. Meanwhile, the "Yashar!" party has established a negotiation team led by Yoav Horowitz to manage coalition talks and outline foundational principles. A parliamentary support arm, comprising former ministers and senior officials, has also begun working meetings with the "change and correction" parties. In contrast, senior members of the "United Torah Judaism" party have conveyed a clear message to the "change bloc" that, under the directive of their spiritual leaders, they will not compromise on their three core conditions for any future political cooperation.