Moshe Gafni Signals Potential Shift as United Torah Judaism Considers Post-Election Alliances

Moshe Gafni, chairman of United Torah Judaism (UTJ), held a discussion with rabbis revealing the possibility that UTJ may join a government not led by the right-wing bloc after the upcoming elections. According to a report by Ari Kalman on i24NEWS on Tuesday, Gafni outlined the dilemma facing ultra-Orthodox parties: while there is a natural affinity with the right-wing camp on religious and traditional issues, criticism from anti-Netanyahu factions toward the ultra-Orthodox community is intensifying.

The ongoing crisis over military conscription and the status of yeshiva students has deepened divisions within the ultra-Orthodox political system. Some in the community believe a government without Netanyahu might offer a more favorable arrangement regarding these sensitive issues. Gafni acknowledged the tension, stating, "I see the left, I see their behavior, I see the right, with Judaism it’s something completely different," but also questioned how much the ultra-Orthodox public should sacrifice, especially concerning their youth and yeshiva students.

This discussion is significant given the recent turmoil in relations between ultra-Orthodox parties and Netanyahu, and the persistent conscription controversy. After years of UTJ being a stable Netanyahu ally, political observers are now watching whether the ultra-Orthodox will refrain from committing to either bloc ahead of the elections. If no clear majority emerges, UTJ and other ultra-Orthodox parties could become kingmakers in coalition negotiations.

Despite the debate, Gafni did not announce any decision to join the anti-Netanyahu camp and emphasized the right-wing’s advantages for the ultra-Orthodox community. However, the mere consideration of alternatives and the conscription issue’s prominence suggest UTJ is keeping its options open. Netanyahu’s circle remains confident that the ultra-Orthodox parties will ultimately return to the right-wing camp, but the conscription crisis may alter the longstanding political equation.