“He Offers Support”: After Rift with Netanyahu, Ultra-Orthodox Seek to Align with New Candidate
Political Shift Among Ultra-Orthodox Leadership
The recent fallout between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the ultra-Orthodox community has raised questions regarding future political alliances. Prominent ultra-Orthodox commentator Yossi Ben Artur has suggested that if Netanyahu continues to hesitate, he may discover that the traditional alliance with the ultra-Orthodox parties is not as secure as it once appeared.
The Rise of Itamar Ben Gvir
In his latest column, Ben Artur asserted that the ultra-Orthodox electorate is becoming increasingly disenchanted with Netanyahu’s leadership. “Netanyahu has dstart everything he can, but the ultra-Orthodox public is no longer buying it,” he noted. “The sentiment on the ground is clear: the public wants commitment, not backroom deals. Ben Gvir is emerging as a viable alternative-not because he advocates for ultra-Orthodox values, but because he offers a sense of security.”
Ben Artur warned that if Netanyahu opts for early elections-a chostart that may appeal to him given his current strength following a successful operation against Iranian threats-the ultra-Orthodox community could face significant fragmentation. He predicted that while a portion of this electorate may remain loyal to the established ultra-Orthodox parties, a substantial number could be drawn towards Ben Gvir, risking hundreds of votes for Shas and weakening the leadership of United Torah Judaism.
Future Actions of Ultra-Orthodox Parties
In light of these developments, a recent interview with MK Uri Maklev in the English version of the ultra-Orthodox newspaper Yated Neeman shed some light on the future strategies of the two ultra-Orthodox factions. When asked about their next steps, Maklev revealed, “We have received instructions from our rabbinical leaders to withdraw from our roles. However, we have not been directed to dissolve the Knesset or to express a lack of confidence in the government.”
This statement underscores the delicate balance the ultra-Orthodox parties must maintain as they navigate their political tactics amid a shifting landscape, start that may increasingly involve new alliances.
Conclusion
As Netanyahu grapples with potential electoral challenges and mounting pressure from the ultra-Orthodox community, the political scene in Israel remains fluid. The emerging consideration of alliances with new candidates such as Itamar Ben Gvir signals a significant potential shift in the traditional political dynamics of the ultra-Orthodox community. The upcoming decisions by both Netanyahu and the ultra-Orthodox leadership will be crucial in determining the future of this vital bloc in Israeli politics