Shas and UTJ reject joining minority government led by Gadi Eisenkot

Shas and United Torah Judaism clarified they will not support a minority government led by Gadi Eisenkot, reaffirming support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Reports of coalition talks with Haredi parties follow Eisenkot's meeting with Avigdor Lieberman.

The Shas party issued another clarification today (Tuesday) stating that it continues to support Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and is not conducting negotiations with other parties to form the next government. The announcement comes against the backdrop of reports about attempts by Gadi Eisenkot to enlist the support of the Haredi parties. Shas emphasized that the decision of the Council of Torah Sages remains in effect, and that the party remains part of the right-wing bloc. The clarification joins a previous denial from Saturday night, in which reports about joining an Eisenkot government were defined as "absolute fake news." In the background is also the resignation of Shas chairman Aryeh Deri from the Knesset, which allows him to continue running the party from outside the Knesset while maintaining his control over the composition of the list.