Netanyahu Demands Ultra-Orthodox Loyalty to His Bloc Ahead of Elections

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is preparing for the post-election period by seeking firm loyalty from ultra-Orthodox parties, according to a recent report. In a pivotal meeting two weeks ago with Aryeh Deri, leader of Shas, and Moshe Gafni, head of Degel HaTorah, Netanyahu pressed for their commitment to remain in his political bloc after the elections. The talks centered on advancing key legislation important to the ultra-Orthodox community, including a law to cancel arrests of draft dodgers and a Basic Law on Torah study.

Deri made clear that without the approval of these two laws, there would be "no discussion," marking them as a red line. He indicated that if the laws pass, cooperation could continue. Gafni was more stringent, stating that according to Rabbi Lando's directive, "there is currently no bloc," and even if the laws are approved, it does not guarantee automatic support for Netanyahu's right-wing bloc.

Separately, Netanyahu approached Agudat Yisrael with promises in exchange for their return to his bloc, but they refused, insisting that legislation must be passed first before any political commitments. Earlier, Shas joined Degel HaTorah in opposing a government-backed media law aimed at weakening the press, due to the failure to remove provisions they viewed as violating Sabbath observance and allowing pornographic content. Shas demanded the law be split to vote only on regulatory relief for new channels, including Channel 14, which they would support.

Netanyahu’s efforts reflect his strategy to secure ultra-Orthodox backing by linking legislative priorities to political loyalty, though the parties remain cautious and noncommittal until their demands are met. The negotiations highlight the complex interplay between religious parties and the prime minister ahead of the upcoming elections.