Israeli Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties have categorically denied media reports suggesting they had struck a deal with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to support the government’s legislative agenda in exchange for advancing parts of their own policy proposals ahead of the upcoming national elections. This comes after a recent meeting between Netanyahu, Shas party leader Aryeh Deri, and Degel HaTorah faction head Moshe Gafni, where discussions reportedly took place regarding the timing of the election and the prioritization of certain legislative items.
The Haredi parties have been engaged in a prolonged boycott of the Knesset plenum, which has lasted for over a week. Their initial protest was triggered by the government’s decision not to bring the so-called "Daycare Law" to a vote. That law aims to reinstate daycare subsidies for the children of individuals who avoid military service. However, the boycott has since expanded to include broader issues related to the conscription of Haredi men, particularly concerning the status of Torah study within Israeli law.
The Haredi groups have demanded the passage of three main pieces of legislation: a Basic Law that would formally recognize Torah study as a foundational value of the state, a measure to halt the arrest of yeshiva students who evade the draft, and the reinstatement of daycare subsidies for the children of draft dodgers. These demands have led to tensions within the ruling coalition, with some members opposing the proposed Basic Law, citing concerns over its implications for equality and the balance between religious and secular interests.
According to reports, the Haredi parties and Netanyahu have tentatively agreed to move the election date forward to October 20, which would allow for more time to address these legislative issues before the pre-election recess begins on July 16. In return, the coalition would support the Haredi-backed Basic Law and a bill aimed at preventing the arrest of yeshiva students who refuse to serve in the military. However, the Daycare Law would not be included in this tentative agreement.
Despite these developments, neither Netanyahu nor his spokesperson have officially confirmed the existence of such a deal. In response to media speculation, representatives of Shas and Degel HaTorah issued a joint statement denying any formal agreement with the prime minister. They emphasized that their demands remain independent and unaltered, and that they would only resume supporting coalition legislation once their specific legislative goals are met.
The proposed Basic Law has drawn significant controversy, as it seeks to legally equate Torah study with military service, thereby granting yeshiva students the same legal rights as soldiers. This has sparked debate among both supporters and critics, with some arguing that it undermines the principle of universal military service and others contending that it is necessary to protect the religious community’s way of life.
Meanwhile, another political figure, Dedy Simhi, a former Fire and Rescue commissioner and father of a soldier killed during the Hamas attack on October 7, has announced plans to form a new political alliance with Benny Gantz, the leader of the centrist Blue and White party. Simhi has made it clear that while his alliance would consider forming a coalition with almost any group, it would exclude Arab parties, including the Ra’am party, which previously participated in a government led by Blue and White.
Simhi’s alliance with Gantz has raised questions about potential future coalitions, especially given their stance toward the current government and the Haredi parties. While they oppose the government’s efforts to enshrine the Haredi exemption from military service, they have not ruled out working with Netanyahu if circumstances change. This position positions them as potential kingmakers in the upcoming elections, though internal disagreements persist, particularly regarding whether to align with ultra-Orthodox parties.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the outcome of the upcoming elections remains uncertain. With multiple factions vying for influence and differing stances on key issues, the formation of a stable government post-election appears increasingly complex. The situation underscores the deep divisions within Israeli society and politics, particularly around the issue of military conscription and the role of religion in public life.
3 reports
The Jerusalem PostIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 8014 days agoHaredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties Shas and United Torah Judaism have extended their boycott of coalition voting for another week, delaying the progress of the controversial Basic Law: Torah Study bill. This bill aims to enshrine Torah study in Israel's Basic Law, potentially allowing yeshiva students to avoid military service while continuing to receive state benefits. The bill passed its first reading but requires further approval in a Knesset committee before proceeding through additional readings. Shas leader Arye Deri linked the boycott to recent police arrests of haredi draft evaders, demanding an end to these arrests and the passage of the Torah Study bill. Degel Hatorah leader Moshe Gafni expressed frustration with unfulfilled promises from previous legislation and insisted on ensuring this bill passes. The Knesset plenum voted to move the bill to the House Committee instead of the Constitution, Law, and Justice Committee, where it would have been handled by MK Simcha Rothman of the Religious Zionist Party. Rothman claimed the shift was due to scheduling issues, though some suggest it reflects an effort to distance the party from the contentious legislation. Knesset legal顾问Sag
Bias read (Center): The article presents both perspectives of the haredi parties and the opposition, including quotes from Shas leader Arye Deri and Degel Hatorah leader Moshe Gafni, as well as comments from Knesset legal advisor Sagit Afik and MK Simcha Rothman. It does not exhibit clear bias toward either side, nor a
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 80): Factuality is strong as it details the ongoing boycott by Haredi parties and their reasons, consistent with other sources. Objectivity is slightly lower due to the emphasis on the Haredi parties' grievances and the emotional tone around the arrests of draft evaders.
The Times of IsraelIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 758 days agoDedy Simhi, a political newcomer and former Fire and Rescue commissioner, announced that his emerging alliance with Benny Gantz would be open to forming a coalition with any group except Arab parties. Simhi emphasized that the alliance would not boycott any party except Arab parties, which he claims prioritize the Palestinian population over Israeli Arabs. This stance contrasts with Gantz's previous refusal to work with Itamar Ben Gvir's far-right Otzma Yehudit party. Simhi also mentioned that the alliance would consider a unity government if either Netanyahu's bloc or the Zionist opposition bloc secured a Knesset majority, provided both sides make a 'proper and honorable' proposal. Simhi, along with Gantz and Yoaz Hendel, has been speculated to form a new political party ahead of upcoming elections, though discussions remain ongoing.
Bias read (Center): The article presents Simhi's statements neutrally, quoting him directly and providing context about his position relative to other political figures like Gantz and Netanyahu. There is no overtly biased language or selective sourcing that favors one side over another. The framing remains balanced, as
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 75): Factuality is high as the article accurately reports Simhi's statements regarding his alliance with Gantz and their stance on Arab parties. Objectivity is slightly lower due to the emotionally charged language around Simhi's personal background and the implication that Arab parties 'care more about
The Times of IsraelIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 8513 days ago Haredi parties deny report of deal with Netanyahu to pass array of pre-election lawsHaredi parties Shas and United Torah Judaism have denied reports of a deal with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to support coalition legislation in exchange for advancing their own legislative agenda. The reported discussions followed a meeting between Netanyahu, Shas leader Aryeh Deri, and Degel HaTorah leader Moshe Gafni. This comes amid a boycott by Haredi lawmakers against coalition legislation, initially triggered by the coalition's refusal to advance the 'Daycare Law,' which would restore subsidies for children of draft evaders. The boycott has expanded to include broader demands related to conscription exemptions for yeshiva students. According to Ynet, the sides reportedly agreed to move the upcoming Knesset election to October 20 and for Haredi groups to support certain coalition bills, including splitting the attorney general's role and establishing an inquiry into Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023. In return, the coalition would support Haredi-backed legislation, such as a Basic Law recognizing Torah study as a foundational state value and a bill to halt arrests of yeshiva students who avoid military service. However, the 'Daycare Law' would not be included in
Bias read (Center): The article presents both sides of the situation without overtly favoring one over the other. It includes direct quotes from the Haredi parties denying a deal and provides context about their demands and the coalition's position. There is no evident loaded language or one-sided sourcing.
Why these scores (Factual 80 · Objective 85): Factuality is good as it reports the denial by Haredi parties of a deal with Netanyahu, aligning with cross-source consensus. Objectivity is high as the article presents both sides of the issue without clear bias.
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