Yeshiva World News3 hours agoShas chairman Aryeh Deri reportedly acknowledged during a private conversation several months ago that Israel’s left-wing parties would be willing to meet virtually all Chareidi demands, including legislation protecting yeshiva bochurim from military conscription, if doing so would enable them to form a government.
The explosive remarks, reported Friday by B’Chadrei Chareidim, are emerging at a particularly sensitive moment in Israeli politics, as negotiations intensify over the formation of a new government following last week’s Knesset elections.
According to an individual familiar with the conversation, Deri made clear that the political parties currently opposing the Chareidi position on the draft would quickly abandon their objections if they needed Chareidi support to gain power.
“If we go with the left, we will get everything we want,” Deri reportedly said. “For them, everything is a bluff designed to bring down the right. We can get a draft law if we go with the other side, but we have a responsibility to the Jewish people, and that is why we go with the right.”
When the person speaking with Deri expressed skepticism that left-wing politicians would actually agree to such concessions, the Shas chairman reportedly dismissed those concerns.
“What are you talking about? You’re naive,” Deri responded. “These guys used to be my friends. I know the leftists. They’ll sell everything when they need to.”
The individual then argued that even if left-wing politicians were prepared to compromise, their voters — many of whom have strongly opposed exemptions for yeshiva bochurim — would never tolerate such an agreement.
According to the report, Deri responded simply: “You’re wrong and naive.”
The revelations come as Israel’s political landscape undergoes a dramatic realignment.
United Torah Judaism has decided not to recommend a candidate to form the next government, while Avigdor Lieberman, who has spent years positioning himself as one of the most outspoken opponents of Chareidi draft exemptions, has publicly indicated that he is prepared to compromise on the issue.
Lieberman’s apparent reversal has fueled speculation that the so-called Change Bloc could reach an agreement with the Chareidi parties, potentially allowing a government headed by Gadi Eisenkot to take office.
Discussions reportedly include the possibility of using a version of the military draft framework Lieberman himself promoted in 2018 as the basis for a compromise.
Meanwhile, an editorial published by B’Chadrei Chareidim has openly urged Chareidi political leaders to reconsider their longstanding alliance with Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc if an alternative government is prepared to pass legislation securing the status of yeshiva bochurim.
Deri’s reported comments suggest that he recognized the possibility of such an arrangement long before the current coalition negotiations began, but believed that broader national considerations required continued loyalty to the political right.
(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
Yeshiva World News2 hours agoNew York Republicans, reeling from Tuesday’s Democratic wave, are openly calling for the ouster of longtime state party chairman Ed Cox — with outgoing Rep. Mike Lawler’s name floated as a possible successor just days after Lawler lost his own reelection race.
“I think a lot of people really want Ed Cox’s head,” one NY GOP insider told the New York Post. Another said conservatives are already moving behind the scenes to remove him. Newly elected Rep. Anthony Constantino posted overnight: “Fire Ed Cox!” and called the state Republican establishment “a group of scammers.”
Cox, 80, has led New York Republicans for most of the past two decades, a stretch in which Democrats have dominated statewide offices since Gov. George Pataki left in 2006. On Tuesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul crushed GOP challenger Bruce Blakeman by about 20 points. Rep. Elise Stefanik said the state party “needs to be built from scratch” with “significant change in structure and leadership.”
Supporters of Lawler, 40, point to his tenure representing a swing Hudson Valley seat, his time as Rockland County GOP chair, and his earlier role as state party executive director. Stefanik said Lawler “would be absolutely fantastic” as chair, though she was unsure he wants the job. Erie GOP Chair Michael Kracker and Rep. Nicole Malliotakis have also been mentioned.
Cox rejected resignation talk: “No. I’m not stepping down. We have a lot of work to do.” Businessman John Catsimatidis urged the party not to panic and called Cox its biggest fundraiser. Insiders still warned that if Lawler publicly asked Cox to resign, he could quickly collect support from half the county chairs. The state committee is not due to vote on leadership until September 2027, but a collapse in support could force an earlier exit.
(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
