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

The ultra-Orthodox party United Torah Judaism (UTJ) is reportedly considering diverging from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc, potentially joining an alternative coalition. Avi Grinzeig, an advisor to Rabbi Dov Lando, stated that the party's decision will be based on what the rabbis decide when the time comes, refusing to commit to Netanyahu's bloc. He emphasized that no specific instruction has been given and cautioned against speculation and fake news. Meanwhile, Yaakov Asher, chairman of Degel HaTorah, met with fellow lawmakers Yitzhak Goldknopf and Meir Porush in Bnei Brak to coordinate the party's stance ahead of recommending a president on Wednesday. Porush indicated that Gadi Eisenkot would not be the one to approach them.

Reports suggest Rabbi Lando instructed Degel HaTorah members to engage with the "change bloc" to secure the status of yeshiva students. The party maintains it belongs to the "world of Torah bloc" rather than any political faction. UTJ is seeking coordination on budgets and the draft issue, acknowledging that Eisenkot may not be able to pass their desired conscription law but is open to alternative formulas. Some within UTJ believe Eisenkot could advance a draft law acceptable to both sides, preventing the party from becoming completely oppositional. A source told N12 that UTJ would receive nothing from Netanyahu, their alliance with him being exhausted, and their interest is to be a decisive Knesset factor again.

In parallel, 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, a meeting not publicly disclosed. Lieberman also met with Yair Lapid. The lack of official statements about these meetings raises questions about their outcomes. Controlling the Knesset speaker role and the arrangements committee would allow the change bloc to control the legislative agenda, potentially advancing laws like an inquiry committee for the October 7th events or term limits, and preventing the transitional government from delaying actions.

Lieberman may play a key role in determining the next Knesset speaker, though he reportedly refused the position himself. Oded Forer's name has also been raised, but Arab parties have stated they would not support him. The article notes that the meeting between Lieberman and Eisenkot was not reported to the public.