Eisenkot Resists Draft Exemption Demands as Coalition Talks Intensify

Gadi Eisenkot, the leader of the Yashar party and the individual tasked with forming Israel's next government, reaffirmed his commitment to universal national service on Tuesday. This stance comes despite ongoing negotiations with the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party, which has historically opposed such principles. Eisenkot stated that he will not compromise on this core issue as he works to assemble a national emergency government.

Speaking to his faction before the swearing-in of the 26th Knesset, Eisenkot described the current moment as a significant watershed for Israel, citing security, strategic, economic, and international challenges. He emphasized the party's dedication to building a Jewish, democratic, liberal, and egalitarian state. While extending an olive branch to potential partners, he declared that the requirement for military, national, and civilian service for all citizens is a flag his party will not fold.

The tension between Eisenkot's platform and the demands of the Haredi parties is central to the current political maneuvering. United Torah Judaism leader Ya'akov Asher stated that his party will not join any coalition unless its three main demands are met. These include exemptions from military conscription for yeshiva students, protection of funding for unregulated religious education, and the preservation of the status quo regarding the relationship between religion and the state.

Asher described these demands as non-negotiable, particularly the issue of conscription, which he identified as the most critical factor for UTJ's participation. Meanwhile, fellow UTJ lawmaker Yitzhak Goldknopf confirmed that preliminary contacts with Eisenkot's camp are underway, noting that there is room for negotiation. He added that UTJ is also in talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's camp, though he suggested these discussions do not necessarily indicate a final decision.

In contrast, the Shas party, another major ultra-Orthodox group, has stated it is not currently considering defecting from Netanyahu's bloc. Shas remains aligned with the Prime Minister following a commitment to pass legislation regulating the draft status of yeshiva students. This divergence in strategy between the two Haredi parties adds complexity to Eisenkot's efforts to build a stable majority.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich urged the Haredi parties to be cautious in their negotiations with the opposition. He warned against what he called a trap designed to oust Netanyahu and the right-wing coalition. Smotrich also criticized the potential appointment of Yashar MK Matan Kahana as Knesset speaker, calling it illegitimate if it relies on the support of Arab parties.

Avigdor Liberman, chair of Yisrael Beytenu and a key ally of Eisenkot, expressed full support for the Prime Minister-designate but cautioned against relying on the two Arab parties in the Knesset. Liberman argued that a minority government would be unstable and could lead to a quick return of Netanyahu to power. He outlined a preferred coalition structure of 61 seats, which would include the 48 seats won by Eisenkot's bloc and the 13 seats held by the two ultra-Orthodox parties.

Liberman acknowledged that the original goal of building a coalition without ultra-Orthodox parties was not achieved due to the seat distribution. He suggested a new conscription model that would satisfy the High Court and UTJ spiritual leader Rabbi Dov Lando, avoiding the need for another election. He also listed immediate priorities for the new Knesset, including replacing the speaker, appointing a state comptroller, and limiting the Prime Minister's tenure to two terms.

The first decision of the new government, according to Liberman, will be to establish a state commission of inquiry into the events of October 7, 2023. He expressed confidence that a government with a clear majority of 61 seats could be formed quickly to address domestic rifts and restore Israel's international standing. Liberman also announced plans to summon security chiefs, including the heads of Shin Bet, the IDF, and Mossad, for parliamentary oversight.

Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats party, urged coalition partners to move quickly and not rule out including Arab parties in the government. He highlighted the contributions of Arab citizens in the healthcare sector as a reason for inclusion. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, whose B'Yachad party won 12 seats, indicated that his party is working quietly to help Eisenkot form a Zionist government of repair, aiming to relieve the burden on reservists and change the current leadership.