Journalist Slams Political Hypocrisy Over Ultra-Orthodox Dealings

Journalist Yishai Cohen launched a sharp attack on political and media hypocrisy surrounding negotiations with ultra-Orthodox parties during a heated debate on Channel 12 News. Cohen questioned the legitimacy of potential political cooperation between Avigdor Lieberman and other opposition figures with ultra-Orthodox parties, given years of harsh rhetoric against the community.

"I ask in all seriousness, aren't you shocked?" Cohen challenged the panel, recalling Lieberman's past inflammatory statements and accusations of draft-dodging and discrimination against the ultra-Orthodox. He pointed out that politicians who had vehemently opposed any compromise were now changing their stance as election results created a political stalemate, with the "change bloc" struggling to form a 61-seat majority without ultra-Orthodox or Arab support.

The panel acknowledged that quiet negotiations with ultra-Orthodox representatives were indeed underway. Reports from the studio indicated that proposals included an immediate freeze on arrests of draft dodgers and yeshiva students, reinstatement of revoked financial benefits, and cancellation of criminal and legal sanctions in exchange for political agreement.

Cohen concluded that the media narrative about the ultra-Orthodox was collapsing, as the same politicians and commentators who had previously denigrated the community were now offering concessions behind closed doors. His remarks reflect growing frustration within the ultra-Orthodox public over perceived political hypocrisy, where past calls for sanctions are now being traded for political necessity. The central question remains whether the public will remember past promises or if politics will prevail once again.