United Denies Dramatic Progress in Talks with 'Change Bloc'
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
A senior "Change Bloc" official had previously indicated positive movement and a discreet channel with Haredi parties. The bloc is considering a proposal to freeze Haredi conscription enforcement for up to a year to secure their support for a government, while Avigdor Lieberman faces a dilemma regarding potential coalition partners.
The story in 4 lines · by baba
- A senior 'Change Bloc' official previously claimed positive progress and a discreet channel with Haredi parties.
- The 'Change Bloc' is considering a proposal to freeze Haredi conscription enforcement for up to a year.
- The proposal aims to secure Haredi support for a government coalition.
- Avigdor Lieberman faces a dilemma regarding coalition partners if Shas refuses to join.
These reports indicated that Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, was not involved, despite meeting with Asher.
Discussions concerning draft evasion legislation have been ongoing. The challenge is to secure their support for a government without relying solely on Lieberman's promises, especially regarding the sensitive draft law. A proposed solution involves a commitment to freeze the enforcement of Haredi conscription and arrests of draft dodgers for up to a year after the government's formation. During this freeze, both sides would formulate an agreed-upon draft law, building on a 2018 proposal by MK Lieberman.
Both the "Change Bloc" and Haredi parties are referencing the situation with the outgoing government, where the draft law expired in June 2023, leading to a freeze on Haredi conscription enforcement until March 2024 to allow for new legislation. A key issue for the "Change Bloc" is Lieberman's stance if Shas refuses to join the government. He has reportedly dropped the conscription issue but opposes a government reliant on Ra'am, while his primary goal remains ending Netanyahu's tenure.
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