Israeli Finance Minister Warns Haredi Parties Against Negotiating With Eisenkot Bloc

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has urged representatives of Haredi parties not to engage in negotiations with the political bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot. Smotrich warned that the opposition might exploit their support solely to remove Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the right-wing camp from power.

Speaking at a press conference in the Knesset, Smotrich advised the ultra-Orthodox parties against trusting reports of potential political cooperation with Eisenkot's bloc. He suggested that Netanyahu's opponents would abandon the Haredi partnership once their objectives were met. "My Haredi brothers, do not fall into this trap," Smotrich implored, adding that they could be used to facilitate a change in government and then be left without political backing.

Smotrich deemed such an appointment illegitimate, describing it as a "moral bankruptcy." He argued that attaining a high public office with the backing of political forces he claims view Israel's establishment as a catastrophe and question its right to exist is unacceptable.

The article also noted that the swearing-in ceremony for the 26th Knesset is scheduled for today, with 46 new members entering the new composition. It was also reported who would be the oldest MK in the new Knesset.