Ex-PM Bennett Outlines Strategy for Ultra-Orthodox Coalition Talks
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has privately outlined a strategy for negotiating with ultra-Orthodox parties, advocating for pressure over concessions. He believes these parties should be shown the political losses of remaining in opposition to encourage their participation in a future government. Bennett's approach contrasts with other "change bloc" figures and emphasizes advancing military service reforms. His party remains committed to these reforms for the benefit of Israel and the IDF.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Naftali Bennett advocates pressuring ultra-Orthodox parties to join government, not making concessions.
- Bennett's strategy aims to show ultra-Orthodox parties the political losses of remaining in opposition.
- Bennett's party "The Together" remains committed to military service reforms.
- Bennett's approach differs from other "change bloc" politicians like Lieberman and Golan.
- The former PM's stance focuses on compelling, not begging, for coalition participation.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has not yet decided on his preferred coalition makeup but has clarified his approach to negotiating with ultra-Orthodox parties. Bennett's party, "The Together" (HaTnua HaMishutefet), is keeping its options open regarding the formation of the next government amid a political stalemate. While not publicly stating his preferred coalition, Bennett has privately outlined a strategy for dealing with the ultra-Orthodox parties.
According to Walla, Bennett is considering whether to support a government reliant on Arab parties or one that includes ultra-Orthodox factions, which would likely require concessions on military conscription. This stance differs from other figures in the "change bloc," with Avigdor Lieberman reportedly open to compromise with the ultra-Orthodox and Yair Golan favoring a coalition with Arab political forces.
Bennett's private remarks suggest a strategy of applying pressure rather than making concessions. He believes the "change bloc" should compel ultra-Orthodox parties to join the government by demonstrating the political losses they would face if they remain in opposition. "We need to make them want to come on their own. We need to show them how much they will lose if they don't join," Bennett reportedly stated, emphasizing the need to advance the "alliance of those who serve" and make them fear the consequences of refusal.
This approach indicates Bennett's opposition to offering significant concessions to ultra-Orthodox parties for their inclusion. Instead, he advocates for continuing to promote the principles of his election campaign, particularly reforms concerning military conscription and benefits for service members. Bennett anticipates that advancing these demands will increase pressure on the ultra-Orthodox parties, potentially making coalition participation more advantageous than opposition.
Bennett's office reiterated his and "The Together" party's commitment to reforms benefiting those in military service, calling it a vital necessity for Israel and the IDF. The article also briefly mentions a separate report about Ben Caspit mocking Netanyahu over a photo change.
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