Haredi Figures Reportedly Weigh Push for Netanyahu–Eisenkot Unity Government

Haredi figures are reportedly discussing whether to press Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Yashar! leader Gadi Eisenkot to pursue a unity government. The deliberations, disclosed on November 14, center on whether a broad coalition could resolve disputes over yeshiva students’ military-service status and budgets while avoiding another election. The unnamed figures see renewed elections as a prospect that could prolong their immediate difficulties for months. Their concerns include the absence of an arrangement for yeshiva students, unresolved budget questions and continuing disputes over enforcement and arrests. They reportedly believe that winning additional seats in another election would not, by itself, answer those immediate needs. Within United Torah Judaism, figures also fear that understandings reached during coalition negotiations could later be undermined by secular and liberal partners. Those concerns cover both conscription arrangements and legislation governing religion and state. Shas’s participation is another central concern. United Torah Judaism figures reportedly worry that entering a coalition without Shas would leave them as its sole Haredi partner and weaken their ability to ensure that agreements are honored. They therefore attach importance to bringing Shas into the proposed arrangement.