Shas Chairman Deri Warns Against Supporting 'Change Bloc' Government
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri warned in private talks against supporting a "Change Bloc" government, citing the conscription law crisis and potential loss of parliamentary influence. He stated that legal and political realities would prevent the passage of the conscription law and leave Haredi parties powerless. Deri emphasized Shas's commitment to remaining with Benjamin Netanyahu, declaring, "The council has decided that we are going with Netanyahu."
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Aryeh Deri warned against supporting a "Change Bloc" government due to the conscription law crisis.
- Deri stated legal advisors say the conscription law cannot pass before a government is sworn in.
- He argued a "Change Bloc" government would leave Haredi parties without parliamentary leverage.
- Deri called supporting such a government a "dangerous step" for yeshiva students' status.
- Shas will not negotiate with the "Change Bloc," adhering to a decision to support Netanyahu.
Chairman of the Shas party, Aryeh Deri, has issued a strong warning in closed-door discussions against enabling the formation of a government led by the "Change Bloc," particularly concerning the contentious conscription law.
Deri argued that relying on political promises from the "Change Bloc" lacks concrete assurances. He stated that "Yahadut HaTorah has no guarantees for passing the conscription law," highlighting the parliamentary and legal timelines as major obstacles. According to Deri, "The Knesset's legal advisor has already stated that it is impossible to pass the conscription law before a government is sworn in, so if they allow a government to be formed, there is no guarantee they will pass the conscription law."
Beyond legal hurdles, Deri pointed to the political balance that would emerge post-swearing-in, asserting it would leave the Haredi parties without parliamentary leverage. He explained that "there will be no possibility to topple a government that has a majority with the Arabs, and they also do not need the Haredi parties for the budget."
Deri described supporting a "Change Bloc" government as a "dangerous step" that could lead to the expulsion of Haredi representatives without resolving the status of yeshiva students. "It is a dangerous step to form a government on Haredi votes and ultimately we will be expelled from the city without regulating the status of yeshiva students," he warned.
Amidst discussions on how to advance the status of yeshiva students, Deri reiterated Shas's firm stance: "In any case, Shas will not hold talks with the "Change Bloc." He concluded, "The council has decided that we are going with Netanyahu, and so it will be."
