Israel opposition eases on ultra-Orthodox draft to oust Netanyahu

Israeli opposition parties have begun to soften their stance on the military conscription of ultra-Orthodox Jews, paving the way for a potential government alliance with the ultra-Orthodox community and Israeli Arabs. This shift comes after neither Benjamin Netanyahu nor opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot secured a majority in the recent October 27 elections.

The ultra-Orthodox community, comprising around 14% of the population, has been a source of significant discontent due to their exemption from military service, which has intensified tensions following Israel's recent wars. Israeli-Arabs, who have recently seen a surge in seats due to their anger over Netanyahu's far-right policies, could form a coalition with Eisenkot.

However, this potential alliance faces opposition from Avigdor Liberman, a former Netanyahu aide and current critic of the Prime Minister, who maintains his refusal to collaborate with Israeli-Arabs while simultaneously calling for discussions with ultra-Orthodox parties. Despite his past criticisms, Liberman now advocates for compromise, emphasizing the need to prioritize national interests over individual demands.

President Isaac Herzog is expected to announce potential candidates for forming a government on Sunday, with Eisenkot likely to be considered first due to his broad support, particularly from Israeli-Arab endorsements. Opposition leaders, including Yair Golan, express cautious optimism about the progress towards coalition formation, highlighting the potential for reducing tensions and fostering unity among diverse Israeli communities.