Netanyahu Aides Warn Ultra-Orthodox Parties Over Coalition Loyalty
Netanyahu's inner circle has warned ultra-Orthodox leaders that withholding backing could aid a left-wing coalition, amid rising political tensions over future government alliances.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's inner circle has issued stern warnings to ultra-Orthodox power brokers over potential neutrality in presidential consultations, sources indicate. While Likud publicly downplays tensions, behind-the-scenes discussions reveal acute anxiety that United Torah Judaism might withhold explicit backing from Netanyahu.
According to party insiders, Likud representatives warned ultra-Orthodox leaders that failing to recommend Netanyahu at the President's Residence would amount to aiding a left-wing coalition. Netanyahu's associates argued that such neutrality effectively supports figures like Yair Golan, Yair Lapid, and Avigdor Lieberman. Sources close to the prime minister cautioned that adopting a neutral stance would trigger unprecedented political consequences.
The underlying friction broke into the open when Topaz Luk, a senior adviser to Netanyahu, shared an artificial intelligence-generated image on X depicting Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Lieberman serving ultra-Orthodox party leaders. The post, captioned "The Covenant of Servants," was later deleted, and Luk issued an apology, stating his affection for the ultra-Orthodox public.
United Torah Judaism officials maintained that no candidate has presented a concrete proposal regarding the military draft law. Representatives emphasized that without substantive offers, their support during presidential recommendations and Knesset votes will not be given unconditionally.
