Netanyahu Strikes Last-Minute Deal with Ultra-Orthodox Parties to Secure Coalition Ahead of Elections
On Friday, July 17, the official election period for Israel's 26th Knesset will begin, marking the start of a parliamentary recess and a transition to a caretaker government. During this time, only agreed-upon legislation or urgent security matters can advance. In the days leading up to this, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is finalizing a significant deal with the ultra-Orthodox parties, revealed by ynet, involving substantial immediate concessions in exchange for their political loyalty in the upcoming elections.
Netanyahu’s strategy focuses on passing key ultra-Orthodox legislation before the current term ends, aiming to maintain a unified coalition bloc. This includes advancing the Basic Law on Torah Study and a law freezing arrests of draft-dodging yeshiva students as compensation. Netanyahu hopes these measures will secure public loyalty declarations from Shas leader Aryeh Deri and Degel HaTorah leader Moshe Gafni, though he may settle for their silence on joining a government led by former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot if explicit loyalty is not forthcoming.
The Prime Minister is also working to strengthen the Likud list by reserving spots for loyalists to boost voter turnout in right-wing strongholds. The Basic Law on Torah Study, in a softened version, has passed its second and third readings but still faces potential legal challenges regarding the exemption from military service. The law and the draft-dodger arrest freeze bill are expected to receive final Knesset approval soon, alongside other controversial laws affecting the Attorney General’s binding opinions, kosher certification reforms, gender segregation in academia, and media regulation.
Ultra-Orthodox leaders are aware of Netanyahu’s vulnerability and have leveraged it to secure favorable terms. Deri remains a staunch Netanyahu ally, while Degel HaTorah leaders refuse to pledge loyalty publicly. The Shas party has warned that any changes to the agreed-upon ultra-Orthodox laws could destabilize the coalition bloc. Netanyahu has yet to announce an official election date, with possible dates including October 20, 26, or 27, and plans to decide soon.
Summary: Ahead of the July 17 election period, Prime Minister Netanyahu is finalizing a deal with ultra-Orthodox parties, passing key legislation to secure their loyalty and maintain a unified coalition bloc for the upcoming elections. Final approvals of these laws are expected soon, while Netanyahu also strategizes to strengthen the Likud list and plans to announce the election date shortly.
