Change Bloc Prepares Legislative Push and Considers Conscription Bill for 26th Knesset
The Change Bloc is preparing a series of legislative measures for the 26th Knesset, including potential draft recruitment bills and repeals of outgoing coalition laws, as Haredi parties weigh their political options following the recent elections.
The Change Bloc is preparing for the opening of the 26th Knesset with a series of legislative moves aimed at reversing laws passed by the outgoing coalition. According to block sources, lawmakers are also considering submitting a draft military enlistment bill to test both Likud's stance and the willingness of Haredi factions to compromise, even before consultations begin at the President's Residence.
At the core of the Change Bloc's legislative agenda is the intention to repeal the controversial communications law promoted by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, whose implementation was frozen by the High Court of Justice. The bloc also aims to reverse legislation subordinating the Department of Internal Police Investigations to the Minister of Justice, splitting the powers of the Attorney General, and altering the composition of the Judicial Selection Committee.
In addition to these measures, the bloc is examining whether to advance a recruitment bill at the very outset of the new Knesset. This move serves a dual purpose: to pressure Likud into voting against the legislation and to test Haredi flexibility regarding a draft formula that ensures actual ultra-Orthodox conscription. However, some members caution that a complex recruitment bill might face heavy legal hurdles and political risks, as equal conscription was a core campaign promise.
Parallel to drafting the legislative agenda, the Change Bloc has begun organizational preparations for the 26th Knesset. Yashar! party leader Gadi Eisenkot and BeYachad leader Naftali Bennett announced faction chair appointments, naming Roee Folkman to lead Yashar! and Eitan Ginzburg to head BeYachad. Meanwhile, Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Lieberman and Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid are scheduled to meet ahead of President Isaac Herzog receiving the official election results from Central Election Committee Chairman, Justice Noam Solberg.
While the right-wing bloc closely monitors whether Haredi parties might switch sides, Shas and United Torah Judaism are weighing their options following the election. Shas suffered a heavy blow, dropping from 11 mandates to six, leaving party leader Aryeh Deri facing critical political dilemmas. Likud has refrained from official statements, though senior mayors, such as Dimona Mayor Beni Biton and Arad Mayor Yair Maayan, have publicly called for a broad unity government.
