Shas 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.

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