developing· Politics· Updated 21:31

Ultra-Orthodox Party Proposes Minority Government Backed by Them

The ultra-Orthodox party United Torah Judaism (UTJ) is reportedly considering a proposal to support a minority government led by Gadi Eisenkot from outside the coalition. Under the proposed framework, UTJ would remain outside the government but would abstain from votes and refrain from opposing government legislation, allowing the government to form without a 61-seat majority in the Knesset. The party is seeking understandings with Eisenkot regarding a draft exemption law for yeshiva students as a primary condition for its support.

5 newsrooms · 3 languages · since 11:44

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What happened

01United Torah Judaism is reportedly considering supporting a minority government led by Gadi Eisenkot from outside the coalition.
02Under the proposal, UTJ would abstain from votes against the government to enable its formation without a full majority.
03A draft exemption law for yeshiva students is the primary condition for UTJ's potential support for Eisenkot.
04A UTJ source stated that their alliance with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is exhausted and has run its course.
05UTJ Chairman Yaakov Asher firmly denied any talks or contacts regarding support for an Eisenkot-led government.
06Asher emphasized that any political decisions for the party require approval from its rabbinical leadership.
07The proposal follows a loss of five seats for Haredi parties in the recent Knesset elections.

Proponents of the plan within UTJ believe the party needs to explore ways to regain significant political influence, particularly after Haredi parties lost seats in the recent Knesset elections. A UTJ source stated that their alliance with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is exhausted, and they fear being relegated to the opposition in a broad unity government. The proposal aligns with a May letter from Lithuanian leader Rabbi Dov Landau, who declared a lack of trust in Netanyahu.

However, UTJ Chairman Yaakov Asher has firmly denied the reports, stating that no discussions or contacts regarding support for an Eisenkot-led government are taking place. Asher emphasized that any political decisions for the party require approval from its rabbinical leadership. According to Arab48, the timing of the offer may also serve as leverage for UTJ in potential coalition negotiations with Netanyahu.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 5 newsrooms. Updated 21:43