Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu’s efforts to ease growing tensions with the chareidi parties have encountered a significant setback, after members of Degel HaTorah reportedly declined a request to meet with him amid the ongoing dispute over the draft law.
According to a report, Netanyahu recently sought to arrange a meeting with Degel HaTorah lawmakers in an attempt to reduce friction between the government and the chareidi factions and explore possible understandings regarding legislation governing the status of yeshiva students.
However, the lawmakers were reportedly instructed not to participate in such a meeting.
“Do not meet with him. There is no point,” the MKs were reportedly told, reflecting what sources described as deep frustration with the prime minister and a growing belief that little progress has been made on issues of central concern to the chareidi community.
While his outreach to Degel HaTorah appears to have stalled, Netanyahu continued efforts to repair relationships elsewhere within the chareidi political camp.
On Sunday night, the prime minister held a private meeting with United Torah Judaism chairman Yitzchok Goldknopf and his close associate, Motty Babchik, amid months of political and personal tensions between the sides.
According to sources familiar with the discussion, Netanyahu urged the two men to move beyond previous disputes and focus on preserving the broader right-wing coalition ahead of future elections.
“We need to preserve the right-wing bloc and win the elections,” Netanyahu reportedly told them.
Goldknopf and Babchik, however, used the meeting to raise their grievances with the prime minister, including allegations that he had sought Babchik’s removal from his position in the Housing Ministry following public criticism of Netanyahu.
The meeting was reportedly arranged through Rivka Paluch at the request of Netanyahu’s chief of staff, Ido Norden.
Meanwhile, another significant development took place Monday evening when Degel HaTorah chairman MK Moshe Gafni was seen leaving an extended meeting with the prime minister at his office.
The substance of that discussion has not been disclosed.
{Matzav.com}