Secret Talks Advance Between Ultra-Orthodox Party and Opposition Bloc
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Behind-the-scenes negotiations between the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party and the opposition's "Change Bloc" have seen significant progress, with daily meetings occurring. However, the Shas party fears UTJ may not secure guarantees for the crucial conscription law. Leaders Gadi Eisenkot and Yaakov Asher have met secretly, while Avigdor Lieberman also held talks with Asher.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Secret daily talks between United Torah Judaism and the Change Bloc show significant progress.
- Shas fears United Torah Judaism will not secure guarantees for the conscription law.
- Gadi Eisenkot and Yaakov Asher held a discreet meeting last week.
- Aryeh Deri stated that UTJ has no guarantees for passing the conscription law.
- Avigdor Lieberman also met with Yaakov Asher last week.
Significant progress is being made in behind-the-scenes negotiations between the ultra-Orthodox party United Torah Judaism (UTJ) and the opposition's "Change Bloc," according to a report by Yishai Cohen for Kikar HaShabat. Sources involved in the talks describe daily meetings and substantial advancements, far exceeding public perception.
Despite the apparent stalemate, a senior UTJ official involved in the discussions stated that the "contacts are proceeding beneath the surface, on a daily basis. There is real progress in the talks, much more than it appears from the outside."
However, the Shas party has expressed concerns regarding UTJ's role. Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri reportedly voiced fears in closed-door meetings that UTJ might enable the formation of a "Change" government, only for the bloc to renege on its commitment to pass the conscription law for yeshiva students. Deri also noted that the Knesset's legal advisor has indicated the conscription law cannot be passed before the government is sworn in. Shas has stated it will not negotiate with the Change Bloc, adhering to its decision to align with Benjamin Netanyahu.
Earlier reports confirmed that Gadi Eisenkot, leading the Change Bloc, and Yaakov Asher, head of UTJ, met last week in a discreet meeting. This was their first encounter since the elections, with both sides maintaining a low profile throughout the negotiations. Eisenkot reportedly prioritizes secrecy to avoid public backlash if the talks fail, while Asher aims to prevent undue pressure from Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, also met with Yaakov Asher last week. A spokesperson for Asher humorously explained the meeting as a casual encounter, noting their offices were adjacent.
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