Agudath Yisrael Reports Progress on Yeshiva Student Arrest Law with 'Change Bloc'

A senior official from Agudath Yisrael revealed on Sunday that preliminary agreements have been reached with the "Change Bloc" regarding a law to prevent the arrest of yeshiva students. This potential legislation aims to temporarily regulate the issue of arrests until a permanent conscription law is enacted. However, the official emphasized that Agudath Yisrael's primary objective remains a permanent conscription law that provides a long-term solution for Torah scholars, and they will not settle for a temporary measure, even if it halts arrests of yeshiva students.

Despite these discussions, Shas Chairman Arie Deri has expressed strong reservations about the possibility of religious parties enabling the formation of a government led by the "Change Bloc." In closed-door conversations, Deri warned that relying on political promises from the "Change Bloc" lacks concrete guarantees. He pointed out that the Knesset's legal advisor has stated the conscription law cannot be passed before a government is sworn in, meaning there's no certainty it would be passed if a "Change Bloc" government is formed.

Deri further argued that such a government would alter the political balance, leaving religious parties without parliamentary leverage. He explained that a government with a majority including Arab parties would not need the support of religious parties for budgets or to remain in power, making it impossible to bring it down. Deri described supporting such a government as a "dangerous step" that could lead to the expulsion of yeshiva students from their studies without their status being resolved.

Shas reiterated its firm stance, with Deri clarifying that his party will not engage in negotiations with the "Change Bloc." He concluded by stating that the party's council has decided to align with Benjamin Netanyahu, and this decision will be upheld.