Likud Requests Coalition Leaders' Commitment to Legislation, Ultra-Orthodox Parties Refuse

The Likud party asked leaders of the coalition parties to sign a document obligating their factions to vote in favor of government-promoted legislation, but the request was rejected, according to a report on Kan News on Tuesday evening. Last week, a dispute arose over which laws would be prioritized in the coalition's legislative blitz. At the request of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Likud agreed to first advance the laws demanded by the ultra-Orthodox parties, but only on the condition that party leaders sign a commitment to support the remaining legislation. The party leaders immediately refused, stating, "There is nothing to discuss. We will no longer sign letters under any constellation." This reflects the strained relations and lack of trust between the ultra-Orthodox parties and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, following numerous loyalty letters exchanged during his tenure.

Ultimately, it was agreed that other figures within the ultra-Orthodox parties would sign the document, but not the party heads Aryeh Deri and Yitzhak Goldknopf, who declined to do so. In related developments, Likud Minister Eli Cohen criticized the legislative blitz, calling part of it unnecessary. The tensions highlight the fragile dynamics within the coalition ahead of upcoming elections, with Netanyahu reportedly seeking to distance himself from the ultra-Orthodox parties.