UTJ Reportedly Reluctant to Join an Eisenkot Government Without Shas

United Torah Judaism is reportedly reluctant to join a government led by Gadi Eisenkot without Shas, complicating a proposed sequence in which the two Haredi parties would enter at different stages. A report published Thursday describes a disagreement between Eisenkot and Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman over whether both parties should be brought in together. Eisenkot reportedly favors forming an initial government with United Torah Judaism and bringing Shas in later. The initial confidence vote could depend on Ra'am abstaining. Both that abstention and United Torah Judaism's willingness to enter without Shas remain uncertain, according to the report. Eisenkot reportedly regards waiting for Shas leader Aryeh Deri as a potential source of delay and prefers proceeding in stages. Liberman reportedly favors securing the participation of both Haredi parties before the government is formed. United Torah Judaism's concerns center on entering as the only Haredi faction alongside secular and liberal partners, potentially dependent on Arab parties' support or abstention. Its negotiating priorities include conscription legislation and arrangements for yeshiva students; Shas's participation could strengthen the two parties' position in those talks. People familiar with the negotiations reportedly remain uncertain about Deri's decision. Other leaders in Eisenkot's bloc are described as supporting him while leaving the current negotiations to him.