UTJ leads talks with Eisenkot-led bloc due to deep Shas-Likud ties, ex-Shas spokesperson says

Former Shas spokesperson Itzik Sudri revealed that United Torah Judaism (UTJ) is leading discussions with the Eisenkot-led bloc due to deep ties between Shas and Likud, according to an interview on Thursday. Sudri highlighted the differences between Ashkenazi and Sephardi ultra-Orthodox leadership, emphasizing that the Sephardi leadership represents a diverse public.

He stated that Shas, chaired by Arye Deri, is unlikely to join a government led by the change bloc due to Deri's strong position and Shas's broader political and social commitments. Sudri dismissed the possibility of Shas joining the change government, citing its broader agenda. He also mentioned UTJ's internal divisions, which must be addressed before negotiating with the Eisenkot-led bloc.

Despite these challenges, Sudri noted that the change bloc is highly motivated to reach an agreement with UTJ, particularly on the military conscription law, and is willing to make concessions.