United Chairman Sets Terms for Government Entry

These demands include regulating the draft law for yeshiva students and kollel members, ensuring the autonomy of Haredi education, and maintaining the status quo on religion and state matters.

"Without these conditions, we will not be partners with anyone. Period," Asher declared in an interview with journalist Yishai Cohen, marking his first public statement on the matter following the recent elections. He emphasized that the party has no pre-existing commitments to any political bloc.

Asher's remarks come amid reports in Haredi newspapers that suggest a softening stance towards potentially joining a "change bloc" government. An editorial in "HaModia," associated with the Gur Hasidic dynasty and its representative Yitzhak Goldknopf, discussed the lack of options, stating, "We too would have been very happy if there were no dilemma now, and our loyal allegiance could have been given to the faithful bloc with whom we have walked for many long years." However, it concluded, "But there is no choice." The paper suggested that an offer with guarantees would bring relief.

Meanwhile, "Hamevasser," linked to Knesset member Meir Porush, published an assessment that a conscription exemption arrangement proposed by a "change bloc" could pass judicial review. The publication argued that such an arrangement, if advanced by the left, would not face opposition from the judiciary, which is perceived as aligned with the left, unlike a similar proposal from the right which might be blocked.