Leaders in Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s Likud party are working to revive the stalled draft law in an effort to keep the right-wing bloc intact, even as tensions with chareidi parties continue to rise.
Coalition chairman Ofir Katz placed a series of calls Thursday to Likud Knesset members, seeking to gauge their positions on the draft legislation. The goal, according to reports, is to maintain the bloc under all circumstances, even as political instability grows.
According to reporting by Amit Segal, Likud wants to head into potential elections as a unified and recognizable bloc, rather than being forced to explain how Netanyahu could piece together a coalition after the vote. The message being conveyed to United Torah Judaism is direct: even if the draft law does not pass — due to the war or other complications — Likud wants the party to publicly commit to remaining part of the bloc.
The effort comes against the backdrop of a dramatic directive from Rav Dov Landau, who instructed Degel HaTorah representatives to work toward dissolving the Knesset as soon as possible. In strong terms, Rav Landau made clear that from this point forward, the only consideration would be “what is good for chareidi Jewry,” adding that “the concept of a bloc does not exist” — a statement that significantly weakens Likud’s attempt to project unity.
Attempts to pass the draft law have failed repeatedly in recent months, despite Netanyahu’s earlier assurances to chareidi party leaders that a finalized version would be presented. The delays ultimately led to growing frustration. “We have to admit, there will not be a draft law in the current Knesset. We failed,” a senior chareidi Knesset member said at the time.
At this stage, United Torah Judaism has not committed to returning to the bloc. Still, Likud is continuing to push forward with efforts to advance the draft law, effectively offering to try to pass it in exchange for political loyalty.
The move reflects a broader concern within Likud about maintaining political stability ahead of possible elections, while trying to prevent the chareidi parties from seeking new alliances. However, in light of Rav Landau’s sharp remarks and the evident lack of trust in Netanyahu’s commitments, restoring the previous partnership appears to be a complex and uncertain challenge.
In layman’s language: Likud capitulates to the law that would send up to 50% of bochurim and yungeleit to the clutches of the IDF within 5 years under the threat of economic and civil sanctions.