Coalition talks at a crossroads as Eisenkot, Netanyahu battle for haredi parties

Gadi Eisenkot has been actively seeking to bring United Torah Judaism (UTJ) into his coalition government, however, the talks are far from completion. The main sticking points revolve around the conscription law and the demands of haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is working to dissuade haredi parties from joining his government, while Eisenkot is preparing to resume negotiations with Likud and holding talks with the Religious Zionist Party.

The haredi parties' chief concern is securing guarantees that their commitments will be honored post-government formation. These talks have a tight timeline, with Eisenkot having about three weeks to form the government, and a potential extension of 14 days if needed. Some within the Eisenkot-led coalition fear that this prolonged process could allow Netanyahu to derail their efforts and trigger an election.

There are also worries among haredi parties that promises to address the conscription issue may not be fulfilled due to legal obstacles.

Haredi parties are demanding exemptions from military service for those whose Torah study is their occupation, commitments from the 48 Knesset members in the Eisenkot-led bloc to legislate an exemption, and a clause to override any High Court of Justice strikes against the law. They also want the authority to amend the arrangement and contacts with the attorney-general over the conscription issue.

UTJ MK Yakov Asher has outlined three main conditions: regularizing yeshiva student status, preserving haredi education's independence, and maintaining current religion-state relations. However, there is no commitment to blocs, according to Asher.

The Eisenkot-led coalition is considering a proposal to suspend military conscription enforcement for up to a year, pending the establishment of a specific law. However, the High Court of Justice has ruled that the government cannot unilaterally suspend conscription enforcement. The possibility of enacting temporary legislation to suspend enforcement also faces legal challenges.

Ultimately, haredi rabbinical leadership is divided on the potential agreement. Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch, a prominent figure in the Lithuanian haredi community, has authorized representatives to negotiate with the Eisenkot-led bloc, but his top priority is resolving the legal status of yeshiva students. haredi leadership is split on the possibility of forming an agreement, with some skeptical of Eisenkot's ability to deliver on the promised concessions.