Ultra-Orthodox Party Sets Conditions for Supporting Government
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Yitzchak Goldknopf, chairman of Agudat Yisrael, declared his party will not endorse any prime ministerial candidate until the status of yeshiva students is resolved. He stated cooperation with the "change bloc" is conditional on this issue, demanding equal rights and legislation without sanctions or conscription targets. Goldknopf also affirmed the party's commitment to maintaining the status quo on religion and state matters.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Agudat Yisrael will not recommend a prime minister until yeshiva students' status is resolved.
- Party chairman Yitzchak Goldknopf stated cooperation with the "change bloc" is conditional on this issue.
- The demand is for equal rights for Torah students, without sanctions or conscription targets.
- Goldknopf affirmed the party's commitment to preserving the status quo on religion and state issues.
- He confirmed no personal discussions have yet occurred with the "change bloc."
Yitzchak Goldknopf, chairman of Agudat Yisrael and a Knesset Member, stated that his party, United Torah Judaism, will not recommend any candidate for prime minister until the status of yeshiva students is settled. He explained the party's decision not to recommend Benjamin Netanyahu was made "with pain, not with joy." Goldknopf firmly asserted that any cooperation with the "change bloc" is contingent on resolving the status of yeshiva students. The demand is for Torah students to receive equal rights to other citizens, with legislation that includes no sanctions or conscription targets, maintaining the status quo of the past 70 years. "We are not willing to be different from anyone else in the State of Israel," he declared. The party is open to discussing alternative civilian service, ZAKA service, and other areas. Goldknopf also addressed education budgets, stating that Jewish children should not suffer due to their parents' lifestyle. Regarding religion and state issues such as Shabbat, marriage, divorce, and conversion, he emphasized the party's commitment to preserving the existing status quo. Goldknopf confirmed he has not personally held discussions with representatives of the change bloc.
Mentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Coverage from Kikar HaShabbat
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
