Change Bloc seeks ultra-Orthodox support for Eisenkot government in exchange for compromise on IDF draft law

The leaders of the Change bloc parties have agreed to open talks with the Haredi parties, Kan News reported on Monday. The emerging offer from the Change bloc to United Torah Judaism would reportedly involve a more lenient IDF draft law in exchange for supporting the formation of a government.

At a meeting on Monday between Yashar! party chairman Gadi Eisenkot and Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman, the two agreed to try to negotiate with Shas and United Torah Judaism. Their proposed deal would see the Haredi parties support a government led by Eisenkot in exchange for a more lenient IDF draft law.

The two parties have a proposal for a draft framework, and the leaders of the Change bloc are awaiting a response from the Haredi parties.

In a conversation between Bennett and Liberman, it was agreed that Eisenkot, as leader of the bloc, would take the lead in talks with the Haredi parties. However, officials in the B’Yachad and Yashar! parties believe Liberman is also holding separate talks with the Haredi parties.

Meanwhile, lawmakers in Bennett’s party are expected to seek clarification at a faction meeting on Tuesday regarding the extent of the concessions the party would be willing to accept in the proposed IDF draft law.