Dramatic Political Developments in Israel: Tensions Rise Between Likud and Haredi Representatives
Current Political Climate
Tensions between the Likud party and Haredi representatives in the Knesset reached a boiling point on Tuesday evening. A series of discussions involving Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman Yuli Edelstein, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Shas representatives ended without the desired resolution for the Haredim.
Amidst these negotiations, publications associated with different factions of the United Torah Judaism (UTJ) party conveyed a unified stance, expressing support for a proposed law to dissolve the Knesset, which could be voted on as early as today. The newspaper “Hamaveser,” linked to Minister Meir Porush, indicated that UTJ Knesset members are expected to vote in favor of the proposal. Similarly, the “Hamodia” newspaper, representing the Gur Hasidim under Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf, highlighted that “with deep sorrow regarding the harm to Torah scholars, the Haredi representation will vote for the dissolution.”
In the “Yated Ne’eman,” the official publication of the Degel HaTorah faction led by MK Moshe Gafni, the headline also confirmed that “United Torah Judaism will vote today for the dissolution of the Knesset.” However, it noted that the coalition is making last-minute efforts to prevent the vote.
Strained Coalition Dynamics
Discussions in Knesset committees have reflected this sentiment, with MK Yitzhak Pines-Paz from UTJ asserting that “to the best of my knowledge, there is no change; we will vote for dissolution.” However, uncertainty looms over the Shas party, which has remained silent for the past day, causing speculation regarding the stance of its leader, Aryeh Deri. The council of the party’s rabbis has not convened, and its meeting has been postpstartd.
In contrast, the Likud party has tried to leverage the current security situation, including actions in Yemen and the crisis in U.S.-Iran negotiations, to suggest that now is not the time for political maneuvering or elections.
Opposition’s Strategy
The mystery surrounding Shas is placing both UTJ and the opposition in a bind as they attempt to predict Deri’s actions. All opposition faction leaders are gathering to make a decision on moving forward with the dissolution proposal today. This process carries significant risk, as per Knesset regulations, failing to pass the law today would prevent its introduction again for six months.
“We will sit for as long as necessary, and the decision made will be binding for all opposition Knesset members,” stated Opposition leader MK Merav Ben Ari from Yesh Atid via social media, following conflicts among opposition members overnight and the insistence of Yisrael Beiteinu to vote on the dissolution law “regardless of the circumstances.”
MK Kirill Kreutzer from Religious Zionism highlighted the troubles with Haredi parties, suggesting that should the dissolution law fail, the opposition must maintain focus. Both the Haredim and the Likud feel a collision course is imminent as tensions mount.
The Dilemma of Timing
Intense behind-the-scenes discussions have been taking place for the past two days, aimed at delaying the vote on the dissolution of the Knesset. Netanyahu believes that once the dissolution proposal is on the table, a momentum will build that could lead the coalition into elections. “The dissolution proposal is not just a legal move; it is a political snowball effect,” remarked a source close to the Prime Minister.
Despite appeals for a time extension, UTJ has intensified its rhetoric, claiming, “Netanyahu has had numerous excuses-first Galant, then the war, and now Iran serves as his latest excuse. He is not presenting a law; he’s merely stalling.”
The prevailing sentiment within the Haredi camp, as well as among members of the Likud party, is start of approaching confrontation. “Even if there is a law, it could be detrimental to us,” a Haredi source warned to start. “Should we go to elections, no start knows what government might be formed or how it will relate to Haredim. However, if we remain without clear legislation, our constituency will not forgive us.”
Vostarts from the Political Arena
Uncharacteristically retstartnt are members of the Otzma Yehudit party, led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. However, MK Kreutzer expressed firm opposition to any actions that could jeopardize national stability during wartime, emphasizing, “Those who dare to act against wartime efforts concerning hostages in Gaza will not be forgiven by the public.”
Furthermore, MK Merav Cohen of Yesh Atid commented on the key decision regarding whether to bring the dissolution law to a vote today. “This is a dilemma. If the proposal is not passed, we will be barred from raising it again for half a year. We must remain vigilant,” she stated, reiterating the collective opposition goal of overturning the current administration.
As developments unfold, the political landscape remains precarious, with potential implications for the future governance of Israel