Trump keeps distance from Netanyahu as Israel election approaches

Haredi parties Shas and United Torah Judaism (UTJ) may decline to endorse either Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or Gadi Eisenkot as candidates to form the next government after the Israeli election, according to assessments by haredi sources. Neither party is inclined to recommend a new candidate to President Isaac Herzog. However, they do not expect to actively seek an alternative to Netanyahu or assist the opposition in removing Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana.

Shas and UTJ would prefer to remain in the opposition until a solution to the dispute over the haredi conscription law is found. The parties are considering replacing Ohana after the new Knesset's swearing-in. Netanyahu faces uncertain coalition prospects, and the opposition bloc plans to advance initiatives such as the establishment of a state inquiry into the October 7 attacks and a limit on prime minister terms.

Haredi sources believe that if the opposition secures a majority to replace Ohana, it may also have enough support to form a government, potentially including Raam as a coalition partner. The central obstacle to coalition talks remains the conscription law, with the opposition considering advancing the legislation before a government is formed, though the haredi parties are doubtful that passing the law will be sufficient, as it could face judicial review.