Political Figure Jokingly Invites Host to Join Ultra-Orthodox Camp

During a live television interview on "Five with Rafi Reshef," political operative Mordechai Zeev Bloch, also known as Motke Bloch, humorously suggested to host Rafi Reshef that he should adopt religious practices like wearing a kippah and observing Shabbat, implying he should join the ultra-Orthodox camp. Bloch's remarks were a lighthearted jab at the ongoing political maneuvering following the recent Knesset elections, where no single bloc has a clear path to forming a government, and parties are engaged in behind-the-scenes negotiations, including with the ultra-Orthodox parties.

Reshef, amused by the joke, noted that he and Bloch were born in the same year, which led to further playful banter about their shared age and Bloch's teasing that Reshef was now considered elderly. Reshef then attempted to elicit a more serious response from Bloch regarding the political situation.

When asked if the ultra-Orthodox parties would support replacing the current Knesset Speaker, Amir Ohana, Bloch offered an ambiguous response, stating it was "ambivalent" and dependent on future developments. He also inquired about progress in negotiations with Avigdor Lieberman, to which Reshef humorously responded that he was on Bloch's side.

Meanwhile, leaders of the "change bloc" are scheduled to meet to discuss a consensus candidate for Knesset Speaker. Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, announced he would recommend Gadi Eisenkot for Prime Minister and support Yair Golan for Knesset Speaker, a move expected to garner broad support within the bloc. Additionally, political sources indicate that the ultra-Orthodox parties have conveyed that they would abstain from a vote to replace Amir Ohana, effectively paving the way for his removal.