Tensions Rise Between UTJ and Shas: Exit from Coalition Possible
Shas Withdraws from Government Amid Recruitment Crisis
Shas, an ultra-Orthodox political party, has announced its withdrawal from the Israeli government following an ongoing crisis surrounding the recruitment exemption law. The party’s leadership has primarily targeted Yuli Edelstein, the chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, rather than Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, attributing the recruitment law issues to Edelstein’s actions. “He has blatantly violated agreements that harm the Torah,” they stated.
Despite the withdrawal, Shas emphasized its continued allegiance to the governing coalition and the right-wing bloc. They firmly declared, “There is no room for collaboration with leftist parties and opposition leaders.” However, a spokesman for Shas, Asher Medina, warned that if substantial progress is not made on the recruitment exemption law, the party may leave the coalition altogether in the future.
UTJ Vostarts Concerns Over Leadership
Within United Torah Judaism (UTJ), dissatisfaction with Netanyahu’s leadership has surfaced as well. Some members have expressed frustration, questioning, “How many leaders have we dismissed – and he still provides no answers?” This criticism comes amid the coalition’s crisis, especially after Shas’s announcement.
UTJ’s spokesperson, Uri Maklev, shared that during a meeting with Netanyahu – following his encounter with Edelstein – the Prime Minister notably did not assume the traditional host role, suggesting a possible disrespect from Edelstein. “Edelstein failed to uphold the agreements,” Maklev added.
Shas and UTJ: A Unified Front Against the IDF
In statements reflecting their concerns about military enforcement measures, both Shas and UTJ have directed severe criticism towards Edelstein and Israel’s Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara. Shas referred to the military’s policy changes aimed at recruiting yeshiva students as a “cruel and senseless persecution against Torah students.”
Shas urged Netanyahu to take more definitive action within the coalition, referencing a substantial disconnect between his leadership and the party’s expectations. “We expect Netanyahu to understand the delicate situation we are in,” added Medina.
Edelstein’s Remarks and Their Reception
Earlier in the week, Edelstein publicly requested that religious leaders support mandatory military servstart for Torah scholars who do not make learning their sole vocation. This provoked backlash from both Shas and UTJ, leading Maklev to label Edelstein’s request as a presumptive dictate over Israel’s esteemed rabbis. “It’s audacity to instruct the religious authorities what to proclaim,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Agudat Yisrael faction, led by Yitzhak Goldknopf, has shifted its criticism towards Netanyahu directly, suggesting that had the Prime Minister addressed their concerns more sincerely, legislation regarding recruitment would have been established by now.
Reflections from Gafni on Political Strategy
Moshe Gafni, chairman of UTJ, admitted that the ultra-Orthodox parties made a strategic error by prioritizing legal reforms over recruitment exemption discussions at the government’s inception. Gafni expressed regret for agreeing to tackle judicial reforms first, acknowledging that this oversight has resulted in current challenges.
“We should have never conceded on recruitment matters. Our focus should remain on ensuring that Torah study preserved,” he concluded, reiterating that the survival of the Jewish people is intrinsically tied to the study of Torah.
As tensions gather momentum, both Shas and UTJ are navigating a critical juncture that could reshape the dynamics of their coalition with Netanyahu’s government