Netanyahu's Direct Appeal to Haredi Rabbis Rejected Amid Political Maneuvering

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's attempts to prevent Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties from joining a "change bloc" have been met with a direct refusal from key spiritual leaders. Netanyahu sought to bypass Haredi Knesset members and speak directly with prominent rabbis, including Rabbi Lando, Rabbi Hirsch, and a senior Shas party rabbi. However, these efforts 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 Prime Minister's Office's pressure as "chaos." In parallel, 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 increase pressure on Haredi leadership.

Netanyahu is reportedly urging Haredi parties not to abstain but to vote against a government led by Gadi Eisenkot, expressing his desire for repeat elections which he believes he would win. He has also promised to fulfill Haredi demands after such a victory.

Meanwhile, the "change bloc" is facing its own challenges in securing Haredi support. Parties like Shas and Yahadut HaTorah are setting conditions, demanding a transitional order for at least one year to halt the conscription of yeshiva students and cancel penalties for draft dodgers. This would require approval from the Attorney General and potentially the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee's legal advisor. Yahadut HaTorah, in particular, has stated its principled stance that changes to the Knesset speaker should coincide with the formation of a new government, not the Knesset's inauguration, rejecting a request from MK designate Roey Folkman of the "Yesh" faction led by Eisenkot to join an effort to replace the Knesset speaker.