UTJ Reportedly Discusses Abstaining for Eisenkot Government Over Conscription Deal

Original report Senior United Torah Judaism figures have reportedly confirmed indirect talks about abstaining in a parliamentary vote to enable a minority government led by Gadi Eisenkot. The proposal disclosed on October 30 would link that abstention to an agreed conscription law and an arrangement governing yeshiva students’ legal status. The contacts are being conducted through intermediaries; no agreement has been announced. The reported discussions concern a route in which UTJ would help a government take office without initially joining its coalition. Their prospects were described as very slim. Opposition negotiators reportedly fear that the party could withdraw its backing at the decisive moment, leaving the proposed government without the parliamentary support it needs. Avigdor Liberman’s position is another unresolved obstacle. His acceptance of a conscription compromise and reliance on Haredi support has not been secured. On October 29, Liberman publicly opposed joining Benjamin Netanyahu, Arab parties or Haredi parties, directly or indirectly, while demanding conscription legislation and a state commission of inquiry. A senior unnamed opposition lawmaker had separately expressed willingness on October 29 to examine a compromise over conscription if that proved necessary to form a government. UTJ figures also reportedly suggested that Shas might join later if the issue were resolved, but that was their assessment, not a commitment from Shas. The report announced no agreed legislative text, investiture date or next negotiating meeting. Update • On October 30, a senior Yisrael Beiteinu source said that legislation requiring conscription without exemptions must be the first law passed by any government, responding to reports of a minority government enabled by Haredi abstention.