Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef Accuses Netanyahu and Religious Zionists of Undermining Right-Wing Bloc

Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, former Chief Rabbi and member of Shas' Council of Sages, accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Religious Zionist camp of hatred toward his faction and attempting to topple the right-wing bloc. According to a report by Haaretz and Maariv Online on August 12, 2026, Yosef even called for cooperation with the left-wing parties. However, his associates quickly denied these claims, calling them fabricated and intended to sow division within the Sephardic community, which they vowed would remain united.

The report also highlighted internal tensions within the ultra-Orthodox political system regarding their alliance with Netanyahu, especially if he fails to secure a coalition majority of 61 seats, potentially leading to new elections. Some ultra-Orthodox leaders, including Motti Babchik from the Gur Hasidic dynasty, suggested abandoning the traditional right-wing bloc in favor of agreements based on religious principles rather than political blocs.

Former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot reportedly does not rely on Avigdor Lieberman, leader of Yisrael Beiteinu, for coalition building and is focused on securing Shas' support while anticipating that Naftali Bennett might exit politics if he does not become prime minister. Eizenkot is open to ultra-Orthodox cooperation but demands agreement on fundamental principles, notably a military draft plan requiring most ultra-Orthodox youth to serve, a proposal facing resistance from both sides.

Within the ultra-Orthodox camp, some insist on remaining loyal to Netanyahu at any cost, even if it means new elections, while opposition factions resist joining without significant concessions on the draft issue. These developments underscore growing fractures in the right-wing and ultra-Orthodox political alliances ahead of the next government formation.