Ultra-Orthodox Parties May Break Blocs, Refuse to Commit to Netanyahu

The ultra-Orthodox party United Torah Judaism (UTJ) is reportedly considering breaking away from the bloc supporting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, potentially joining an alternative coalition. Avi Greenzayg, media advisor to Rabbi Dov Lando, refused to confirm allegiance to Netanyahu, stating, "Whatever the rabbis decide, that's what will happen." He emphasized that the party has not made any specific commitments and cautioned against speculation, anticipating numerous "fake news" reports in the coming weeks.

UTJ leaders Yaakov Asher, Yitzhak Goldknopf, and Meir Porush met in Bnei Brak to coordinate their stance ahead of recommending a president on Wednesday. Earlier, Rabbi Lando reportedly instructed Degel HaTorah members to engage with the "change bloc" and prioritize the status of yeshiva students, asserting the party belongs to "the bloc of the world of Torah" rather than any political faction.

Sources within UTJ suggest that an alliance with Netanyahu is exhausted, especially given his lack of a 61-seat majority. They expressed a desire to regain influence as a decisive force in the Knesset. One source indicated that if a unity government is formed, UTJ might consider joining the opposition, stating, "This is not why we were elected."

Meanwhile, tensions persist within the "change bloc" regarding the Knesset speaker position and government formation. It was reported that Gadi Eisenkot and Avigdor Lieberman met to coordinate moves, though the meeting was not publicly disclosed. Lieberman also met with Yair Lapid. The lack of official statements about these meetings has raised questions about their outcomes.

Control of the Knesset speaker position is seen as crucial for the "change bloc" to set the legislative agenda, potentially advancing laws like a commission of inquiry into the October 7th events or term limits. Lieberman's role is considered pivotal in selecting the speaker, though he has reportedly refused the position himself. Oded Forer was also considered, but Arab parties stated they would not support him.