United Torah Judaism emerges as kingmaker in Israeli coalition talks

After the 2026 elections, United Torah Judaism (UTJ) has become a pivotal political force, negotiating with both blocs without prior commitment. Shas fears angering traditional voters and awaits UTJ's move to join a non-Netanyahu government.

In an interview with Radio 103FM, Yishai Cohen, a reporter for 'Kikar HaShabbat', outlines the behind-the-scenes drama in the Haredi public. According to him, Shas fears the anger of about 100,000 traditional voters who support Netanyahu, and therefore it is in a waiting position, expecting United Torah Judaism to open the door for a move from the Netanyahu bloc to the change bloc. Cohen explains that if the status of yeshiva students is regulated, Shas will consider joining the new government, and United Torah Judaism will be Shas's 'Shabbos goy' – that is, the one that makes the first move. He emphasizes that each party has its own spiritual leadership, and even if Rabbi Landau instructs to join, Shas under Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef may act differently. However, Cohen notes that there is readiness in the Haredi street to go to a change government, especially among the Ashkenazi public. He warns that joining the Haredi parties will lead to far-reaching consequences on religious and state issues, such as preventing public transportation on Shabbat and civil marriage. The headline asks about a scenario to bring down Netanyahu, but the body focuses on the Haredi dilemma.