A new rift is emerging within United Torah Judaism (UTJ) as Agudas Yisroel signals firm opposition to lifting the bloc’s boycott of coalition-sponsored legislation. While coalition leaders were hopeful that the chareidi parties would ease their protest amid progress on the draft law, Agudah has made clear it will not budge until the bill passes its final Knesset reading.
The dispute comes as Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman MK Boaz Bismuth prepares for three intense discussions this week on the updated draft law. Coalition officials had assessed over the weekend that UTJ might partially end its boycott and support several preliminary coalition bills.
However, a report published Sunday evening revealed that Agudas Yisroel opposes lifting the boycott entirely, arguing that without a completed draft law—passed on its third reading—any parliamentary activity amounts to “empty deliberations.”
Degel HaTorah, the other half of UTJ, has not yet reached a decision. Senior Degel figures are weighing whether to accept the coalition’s request and support a limited number of bills. A final ruling is expected at today’s weekly faction meeting.
The decision carries broader coalition implications. Because Shas typically coordinates its voting strategy with Degel HaTorah, Degel’s stance will likely determine whether Shas joins or refrains from the boycott. If Degel chooses to support the coalition while Agudah refuses, Agudas Yisroel may once again find itself isolated, with the other chareidi parties returning to routine cooperation with the government.
The renewed political tension comes as the coalition works to secure a majority for the draft law—a task still far from guaranteed. So far, only two coalition MKs have publicly declared outright opposition: Likud MK Yuli Edelstein and MK Sharren Haskel of Gideon Sa’ar’s party.
Other lawmakers believed to harbor concerns—including Dan Illouz, Ofir Sofer, Bezalel Smotrich, and Eli Dallal—have stated that they will review the updated draft during committee discussions and decide their final vote afterward.
{Matzav.com}
