Secret Talks Advance Between UTJ and Change Bloc, Shas Expresses Concern

Significant progress is being made behind the scenes in negotiations between United Torah Judaism (UTJ) and the "Change Bloc" parties, with meetings occurring almost daily, according to a report by Yishai Cohen for Kikar HaShabat. A senior UTJ official involved in the talks stated that "real progress is being made in the talks, much more than it appears on the outside."

However, Shas is expressing concerns about UTJ's approach. Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri reportedly said in closed discussions that UTJ has "no guarantees" for the passage of the conscription law, citing the Knesset's legal advisor who stated the law cannot be passed before the government is sworn in. Deri fears that the Change Bloc might not uphold its commitments regarding the conscription law after forming a government with the support of Haredi parties, leaving UTJ without recourse. Shas has stated it will not negotiate with the Change Bloc and will remain aligned with Benjamin Netanyahu.

Earlier, Gadi Eisenkot, leading the Change Bloc, and Yaakov Asher, heading UTJ, met secretly last week. This was their first meeting since the election, and both sides have maintained 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 Netanyahu.

Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, also met with Yaakov Asher last week. A spokesperson for Asher humorously explained the meeting as Asher borrowing coffee from Lieberman, who was in an adjacent room.

A statement from Asher's office indicated that "talks and meetings with political figures are a natural part of this period," declining to confirm or deny specific meetings daily. Yisrael Beiteinu stated that Eisenkot is working around the clock to form a national emergency government and that they do not discuss these moves in the media, nor do they confirm all reported meetings.