United Torah Judaism Signals Political Shift Ahead of Israeli Elections
United Torah Judaism (UTJ), traditionally a steadfast ally of Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing bloc, is signaling a notable shift ahead of the upcoming Israeli elections. For years, despite occasional tensions, the ultra-Orthodox party remained firmly within the right-wing camp. However, this election cycle, UTJ is adopting a new stance, emphasizing flexibility and strategic independence.
Moti Babchik, a senior figure in the Gur Hasidic dynasty and influential behind the scenes in ultra-Orthodox politics, recently declared that the ultra-Orthodox community is not committed to any political bloc and will decide based on election outcomes. Babchik also suggested treating the ultra-Orthodox as a separate political bloc, marking a significant departure from past alignments. This is especially notable given Babchik’s long-standing closeness to Netanyahu.
Meanwhile, UTJ’s Moshe Gafni has initiated discreet contacts with the opposition, including a secret meeting with former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, coinciding with statements by Lithuanian ultra-Orthodox leader Rabbi Dov Landau about dissolving the right-wing bloc. Despite these developments, UTJ has not shifted left; its primary concerns remain ultra-Orthodox interests, particularly regarding military conscription and the status of yeshiva students. The gap between UTJ’s demands and Eisenkot’s positions on conscription remains substantial.
Decision-making within UTJ is complex, involving the Council of Torah Sages for both the Lithuanian and Hasidic factions. Internal divisions between the two main factions, Degel HaTorah and Agudat Yisrael, have become public, especially over conscription legislation and government relations. The recent official split of UTJ into two separate Knesset factions reflects these tensions, though it was described as "technical" by MK Uri Maklev.
UTJ continues negotiations with Netanyahu but deliberately keeps open the option to align with other parties post-election. Babchik cited the Bennett-Lapid government period as an example of ultra-Orthodox willingness to negotiate beyond traditional allies. Growing friction between Degel HaTorah and Agudat Yisrael even raises the possibility of a permanent split after the elections.
While it remains uncertain if UTJ will support Eisenkot as prime minister, the party’s message is clear: their votes no longer come with a guaranteed address. With polls projecting around eight seats, UTJ could become the kingmaker in forming Israel’s next government, transforming from a mere ping-pong ball in the right-wing bloc to a decisive player holding the political paddle.
