Netanyahu Faces Setback as Key Religious Party Withholds Support

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is losing support from a crucial ultra-Orthodox party, which has decided not to recommend him for re-election as prime minister. This development comes as rival Gadi Eisenkot is seen as having the first opportunity to form a new government.

President Isaac Herzog is meeting with political parties following the October 27 election, where neither Netanyahu nor Eisenkot secured enough votes for a majority. The United Torah Judaism party, which has supported Netanyahu in the past, informed Herzog that it would not recommend any candidate for government formation.

The United Torah Judaism party represents ultra-Orthodox Jews with roots in Europe and has won seven seats in the 120-member Knesset, Israel’s parliament. The party has been a strong ally of Netanyahu, particularly in maintaining exemptions from military service for religious students. However, Netanyahu has not made these exemptions law, which has caused frustration among many Israelis.

Isaac Pindrus, a lawmaker from United Torah Judaism, emphasized that their priority in any future government is to address the status of Torah students. Eisenkot, a former military chief, is pushing for an end to these military service exemptions, which has led to criticism of the ultra-Orthodox community.

Political analysts suggest that United Torah Judaism’s decision may be a way to signal to Netanyahu that their support cannot be taken for granted. Meanwhile, President Herzog is expected to meet with representatives from major parties before deciding who will be tasked with forming a government.

Currently, Netanyahu’s bloc has 53 seats, while Eisenkot’s bloc has 48. Israeli-Arab parties have gained strength, winning 19 seats, and Eisenkot may consider forming a coalition with them, although this could alienate some of his supporters.