Likud Fears Netanyahu Cannot Stop Ultra-Orthodox Parties Joining Eisenkot
Senior Likud officials fear Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cannot prevent ultra-Orthodox parties from joining a potential coalition led by Gadi Eisenkot, as coalition talks gather momentum.
A deep political crisis is unfolding within the Likud party as senior officials and veteran lawmakers express growing skepticism over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ability to prevent United Torah Judaism (UTJ) from joining a potential coalition led by Gadi Eisenkot. In closed-door discussions, Likud insiders concede that Netanyahu currently lacks the political leverage to ensure the ultra-Orthodox factions remain within the right-wing bloc, particularly as ultra-Orthodox leaders point to the potential legal stability of a conscription arrangement negotiated with Eisenkot.
According to party sources, ultra-Orthodox officials have dismissed Netanyahu's warnings regarding Eisenkot's capacity to deliver a viable draft law, arguing that the High Court of Justice would not strike down a framework endorsed by Eisenkot. Furthermore, Likud fears that UTJ might not even demand the formal passage of a conscription bill prior to the government's formation, settling instead on coalition agreements that would facilitate negotiations with the change bloc.
At the center of Likud's anxiety is Rabbi Dov Lando, the spiritual leader of Degel HaTorah, who has historically maintained an independent political stance distinct from the right-wing camp. With the mandate currently in Eisenkot's hands, political analysts suggest that an agreement with UTJ could pave the way for Shas to follow suit, potentially securing a 61-seat coalition comprising the Zionist change bloc, UTJ, and Shas. Meanwhile, Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Lieberman has expressed willingness to ease his stance on ultra-Orthodox parties to form a non-Netanyahu government, even suggesting that several Likud lawmakers might defect if a 61-seat coalition materializes.
