Shas Leader Warns Haredi Parties Against Aiding 'Change Bloc' Government
Translated & summarized from Kipa by baba
Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri warned United Torah Judaism against supporting a "Change Bloc" government, fearing it would jeopardize the conscription law for yeshiva students. Deri stated that Haredi parties would lose leverage once a coalition relies on Arab parties, making them unable to ensure the law's passage. He affirmed Shas's commitment to remaining with Benjamin Netanyahu. These warnings come as UTJ reportedly holds daily talks with the "Change Bloc" and other parties explore government formation options.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri warned UTJ against aiding a 'Change Bloc' government, calling it a dangerous step.
- Deri fears a 'Change Bloc' government would prevent the resolution of yeshiva students' conscription status.
- He argued Haredi parties would lose leverage if a coalition relied on Arab parties for support.
- Deri affirmed Shas's commitment to remaining with Benjamin Netanyahu.
- UTJ is reportedly holding daily talks with the 'Change Bloc', including a meeting with Gadi Eisenkot.
- Avigdor Lieberman also met with UTJ Chairman Yaakov Asher to discuss government formation.
Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri has issued a strong warning to United Torah Judaism (UTJ) against assisting in the formation of a "Change Bloc" government. In closed-door conversations reported by Yishai Cohen on Kikar HaShabbat, Deri stated that UTJ has no guarantees regarding the passage of the conscription law for yeshiva students. He cautioned that "this is a dangerous step" that could lead to a government being formed with Haredi votes, ultimately resulting in their expulsion without the status of yeshiva students being resolved.
Deri explained that the Knesset's legal advisor has clarified that the conscription law cannot be passed before a new government is sworn in. He argued that once a government is established that can rely on Arab parties, the Haredi parties will lose their leverage, as the coalition will no longer need their support, even for approving the state budget.
Deri emphasized that Shas will not negotiate with the "Change Bloc," stating, "The Council has decided that we are going with Netanyahu, and so it will be." His remarks come amid progress in talks between UTJ and the "Change Bloc." According to Channel 12 News, discussions between the parties are occurring almost daily. Last week, UTJ Chairman Yaakov Asher met with Yesh Atid Chairman Gadi Eisenkot. Concurrently, Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman also met with Asher to explore possibilities for forming a new government.
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