Gadi Eizenkot Signals Potential Political Alignment With Shas Amid Haredi Discontent

A new political dynamic appears to be emerging between former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot and the ultra-Orthodox Shas party. Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, a leading figure in Shas and head of its Council of Torah Sages, recently expressed in a weekly lesson that while Prime Minister Netanyahu has no chance of repentance, Eizenkot does. Earlier, Eizenkot praised Shas as a party with significant Zionist elements, noting many of its voters serve in the military and describing it as integrated and service-oriented. He suggested Shas could be a partner if it commits to three fundamental principles, including mandatory national or military service for all youth.

Eizenkot’s remarks open a possible channel for negotiations with the Haredi community, particularly Shas, which is seen as more open and Israeli-oriented. However, his conditions, especially regarding service obligations, pose challenges for Shas leader Aryeh Deri, who has longstanding ties with Netanyahu. Rabbi Yosef’s statements and Shas’s party publication hint at pressure tactics on the current coalition, demanding legislation on arrest freezes and Torah study as a constitutional foundation.

Political analyst Israel Cohen told Ynet that the Haredi community feels it paid a heavy price for supporting Netanyahu and the right-wing bloc, citing failures to pass promised conscription laws and budgetary issues. Cohen noted deep distrust of Netanyahu among Haredi leaders, including Rabbi Yosef and other spiritual figures, though no viable political alternative currently exists. Eizenkot is viewed as a more approachable interlocutor for political engagement, despite his association with stricter conscription policies. The Haredi bloc is expected to remain united, but Netanyahu may struggle to secure their early commitment before elections without legislative progress on key issues.

Eizenkot has also met with other Haredi leaders, including Degel HaTorah chairman Moshe Gafni, indicating ongoing dialogue. This evolving relationship could reshape alliances ahead of upcoming elections, reflecting broader tensions within the right-wing coalition and the Haredi community’s political calculations.