Bennett Urges Threatening Haredi Parties, Not Begging, for Coalition
Translated & summarized from Kipa by baba
Naftali Bennett, chairman of the Yamina party, has advocated for a tough negotiation strategy with Haredi parties, suggesting they should be threatened rather than pleaded with to join a coalition. Bennett believes this pressure, particularly concerning his "servants' revolution" agenda for soldiers, will incentivize their participation. He has remained publicly ambiguous about coalition partners but privately emphasized a firm approach. His office confirmed his commitment to the "servants' revolution" for the IDF.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Naftali Bennett advocates threatening Haredi parties to join a coalition, not begging them.
- Bennett wants to leverage his "servants' revolution" agenda to pressure Haredi parties.
- Bennett has remained publicly ambiguous about potential coalition partners.
- Bennett warned of "not insignificant struggles" in forming a government.
- Bennett's office affirmed his commitment to the "servants' revolution" for the IDF.
Naftali Bennett, chairman of the Yamina party, has broken his silence regarding coalition negotiations, advocating for a firm stance with the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties. While other leaders in the "change bloc" have been vocal about potential alliances, Bennett has maintained ambiguity about which parties he would be willing to sit with in a government. Reports indicate Bennett has not yet decided whether to support a government reliant on Arab parties or one that includes the Haredi parties and requires concessions on the draft issue.
However, in private conversations, Bennett has outlined a clear strategy: "We need to threaten the Haredi parties, not beg them," he stated. He believes the change bloc should "make them want to come. We need to show them how much they will lose if they don't come. Continue with the "servants' revolution" with all your might and make them come out of fear of what will happen if they don't come."
This approach reflects Bennett's opposition to offering significant concessions to the Haredi parties to secure their inclusion in a coalition. Instead, he aims to advance the principles of his election campaign, particularly regarding changes to the military draft policy and benefits for soldiers, hoping that pressure will compel the Haredi parties to join.
Bennett publicly addressed coalition talks on Tuesday, ahead of the Knesset's swearing-in, but did not directly answer questions about partnering with Haredi parties. He stated he was "doing everything to help Izencot establish a Zionist repair government and bring about the servants' revolution." He also added in a voice message to his party activists that reservists need relief and that he is working quietly to help Izencot form a government quickly, warning of "not insignificant struggles ahead."
Bennett's office responded by stating, "Former Prime Minister Bennett and the Yamina party are committed to the servants' revolution as an urgent need for the State of Israel and the IDF."
