Netanyahu's Direct Appeal to Haredi Rabbis Rejected

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's attempts to prevent Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties from joining a potential "change bloc" government have been met with a direct refusal from key spiritual leaders. Netanyahu reportedly bypassed Haredi Knesset members and sought direct conversations with prominent rabbis, including Rabbi Lando, Rabbi Hirsch, and a senior Shas party rabbi. However, these overtures were rebuffed, with sources close to the rabbis stating that such a meeting was inappropriate, that Netanyahu had nothing to offer, and that it could lead to "discomfort." The message conveyed was that Netanyahu should use established channels.

Sources within the Haredi parties described the pressure from the Prime Minister's office as "chaos." Netanyahu's stated objective is to secure a repeat election, which he believes he would win, promising to then fulfill the Haredi parties' demands. He reportedly expects them to vote against a government led by Gadi Eisenkot, rather than abstain as they did in a previous vote on recommendations to the president.

Concurrently, right-wing activists are conducting an aggressive campaign within the Haredi community, distributing flyers against joining what they term a "left-wing government." Future plans include protests outside the homes of rabbis and their associates to further pressure the Haredi leadership.

Meanwhile, the Haredi parties have outlined their conditions for supporting a "change government." They are demanding a temporary order, lasting at least a year, to halt the conscription of yeshiva students and cancel arrests and sanctions for draft dodgers. This measure would require the approval of the Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, and potentially the legal advisor to the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. This demand differs from previous arrangements and likely necessitates new legislation, as they would not be satisfied with just a government decision.