Shas's Deri rules out change bloc government without Likud as UTJ weighs talks

Shas leader Arye Deri has dismissed the possibility of joining an opposition bloc-led government without the support of Likud, while United Torah Judaism (UTJ) is emerging as a potential coalition partner, according to ultra-Orthodox sources familiar with the post-election negotiations. The two ultra-Orthodox parties, Shas and UTJ, have fundamentally different approaches that have become a crucial factor in the efforts to form a new government after the 26th Knesset election.

UTJ is seen as a possible negotiating partner for the opposition bloc, but Shas firmly believes it cannot be part of a government led by opposition leader Yair Lapid without Likud's participation. Deri made it clear during closed-door discussions that he is unwilling to join an Eisenkot-led government without Likud. This stance emerges amidst the ultra-Orthodox parties' coalition choices becoming central to the government formation process.

The divide between Shas and UTJ has gained significance due to the election results, which left neither bloc with the required 61 seats for a parliamentary majority. If UTJ joined the opposition bloc, it would have 48 seats, seven short of a majority; adding both ultra-Orthodox parties to the opposition bloc parties would give them 54 seats, but 7 short of a majority.

The only way to form a government with 61 seats would be if UTJ joined a coalition with the opposition bloc and UTJ, totaling 54 seats, but this relies on additional support from the Joint List. Deri's opposition to an Eisenkot-led government without Likud narrows the options for forming a new government without the support of Likud.