Israeli ultra-Orthodox parties weigh coalition with centrist bloc over conscription law

United Torah Judaism considers joining a potential government led by Gadi Eisenkot, with Avigdor Lieberman signaling compromise on military conscription for yeshiva students, while Shas leader Aryeh Deri faces a dilemma between loyalty to Netanyahu and rabbinical pressure.

A political analysis piece examines the dilemma facing Shas chairman Aryeh Deri between his loyalty to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the demands of the rabbinic leadership, particularly Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, dedicated to securing the future of yeshiva students. According to assessments, some rabbis are criticizing Netanyahu for failing to provide solutions to Haredi issues in the outgoing term. Meanwhile, Avigdor Lieberman signaled a willingness to compromise on the conscription law issue, while setting three principles: ending the Netanyahu era, avoiding further elections, and a government not dependent on Arab parties. United Torah Judaism is considering cooperation with Gadi Eisenkot, and the article examines a scenario where UTJ joins the government first while Shas remains outside. The article quotes a political source estimating that a softened conscription outline, similar to a previous proposal including a target of about 1,500 Haredim, could win support from the Haredi parties. However, as of now there is no agreement on a conscription outline and no commitment from UTJ to join.