The dangerous Haredi strategy

Ron Shapira analyzes the strategy of United Torah Judaism, which is examining a partnership with the Eisenkot-Lieberman-Lapid-Golan bloc, and wonders how they expect more generous draft exemptions than those offered by Netanyahu. The author argues that the Haredim are mistaken in assessing the determination of the bloc's leaders to expand conscription, and warns of the dangers inherent in this strategy.

Ron Shapira analyzes in an opinion piece the political strategy of United Torah Judaism, which is examining a partnership with the "Servants' Alliance" bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot, which includes Avigdor Lieberman, Yair Lapid, and Benny Gantz. The author wonders how the Haredi party could think that this bloc would offer more generous draft exemptions than those Benjamin Netanyahu would offer. Shapira argues that the Haredim assume there is a diversity of views within the non-Haredi camp, and apply a logic of "credible signaling" – that only Eisenkot and Lieberman can achieve public consent for broad exemptions. He notes that the Haredim are correct in viewing the legal system as a monolithic entity inclined to identify with Netanyahu's opponents, but in his opinion they are mistaken in assessing the determination of Lieberman and Eisenkot to expand conscription. Shapira warns that the very public willingness to negotiate with both blocs may relieve Netanyahu of the need to find excuses to dismantle his bloc.