Jerusalem:Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is actively working to prevent Gadi Eisenkot and his allies in the Change bloc from attracting ultra-Orthodox parties to their coalition. This effort involves engaging directly with rabbis and sending emissaries to leaders of the ultra-Orthodox movement, aiming to deter their alignment with the Change camp.
According to Maan News Agency, Netanyahu is cautioning the ultra-Orthodox community that any alliance with Eisenkot's government could be temporary. He warns that once the budget is approved, the government might shift its reliance to Arab parties, thereby diminishing the political influence of the Haredim.
The ultra-Orthodox parties are pressing Netanyahu for clarity on what he can offer to ensure their involvement in a government without the need for new elections. Netanyahu is broadening his outreach to include second-tier rabbis, realizing that communication with top religious leaders like Rabbi Dov Landau alone may not suffice to secure the Haredim's allegiance.
Netanyahu's assessment suggests that some rabbis are inclined towards the right wing, reflecting their congregations' hesitations about alliances with liberal parties. This understanding has led Netanyahu to expand his contacts to include rabbis closer to the religious right, whom he believes may be more receptive to his propositions.
The Haredi leadership is divided, with key figures from Degel HaTorah, Agudat Yisrael, and the Gur movement debating potential partnerships. While some are open to alliances with Eisenkot in exchange for assurances on Haredi interests, others demand concrete commitments, particularly concerning the conscription law, before considering any coalition agreements.
Netanyahu and his allies caution that Eisenkot's agreements may not last beyond the formation of the government and the passage of the first budget. Concerns exist within the Likud party that the ultra-Orthodox parties' influence might wane, leading to difficulties in enacting military service legislation and preserving their religious and state policies.
The United Torah Judaism party shares these apprehensions, fearing that their role as a singular ultra-Orthodox entity in a secular government could weaken their leverage on crucial issues like the conscription law. They emphasize the necessity of including the Shas party to counter potential policy shifts.
Eisenkot and his supporters aim to include United Torah Judaism in their government, with plans for Raam to abstain from voting initially and Shas to join subsequently. Meanwhile, Avigdor Lieberman advocates for Shas's immediate participation, though Aryeh Deri's stance remains undecided.
Ultra-Orthodox parties acknowledge Netanyahu's warnings but demand he present a viable alternative to Eisenkot's proposal, questioning his capacity to lead a national unity government amidst the current political landscape.