Ultra-Orthodox Parties Weigh Coalition Options Amid Draft Exemptions Talks
Ultra-Orthodox parties Shas and United Torah Judaism are coordinating positions on potential coalition options with the change bloc amid talks over yeshiva draft exemptions.
Ultra-Orthodox parties Shas and United Torah Judaism are coordinating positions regarding potential cooperation with the change bloc amid ongoing talks over draft exemptions for yeshiva students, sources indicate.
Coalition Prospects and Draft Talks
The status of yeshiva students remains a central demand for both factions. Recent signals of flexibility from opposition figures, including Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Lieberman and Yashar! party chairman Gadi Eisenkot, have opened the door to exploratory discussions about a prospective coalition.
Sources within Shas stated that the faction would support any arrangement endorsed by United Torah Judaism and guided by Lithuanian ultra-Orthodox leader Rabbi Dov Lando, emphasizing that securing yeshiva student status is their primary parliamentary mandate. Officially, however, Shas leadership maintains that no formal decision has been reached regarding joining an Eisenkot-led government.
Internal Power Struggles in Shas
Simultaneously, Shas is navigating an internal political battle concerning its Knesset electoral slate. Party chairman Aryeh Deri has reportedly sought to sideline figures aligned with former Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, though these efforts have faced resistance.
MK Yoav Ben Tzur remains on the electoral list despite reported efforts by Deri to remove him, illustrating the ongoing influence of Rabbi Yosef within the party ranks as Shas weighs its broader national coalition options.
