The Deal Taking Shape Between Liberman and the Haredim: Halting Deserter Arrests and Splitting Portfolios

In depth

Yisrael Beytenu and United Torah Judaism have reached preliminary understandings on halting arrests of Haredi deserters, fast-track legislation on the matter, and handing the Interior and Housing portfolios to United Torah Judaism. The understandings also include setting up a committee to examine a service model for all populations. A rift between the parties within the change bloc emerged at the end of the week, and talks are continuing.

The preliminary understandings were discussed between Yisrael Beytenu and United Torah Judaism alongside the issue of the conscription law. Among the topics on the table: halting arrests of deserters, a renewed examination of the conscription law, and receiving the Interior and Housing ministries. Yishar! chairman is meanwhile drafting a plan for relief in the conscription law and sanctions, in exchange for encouraging service in the IDF.

Netanyahu wants to speak urgently with the rabbis, while talks between Liberman and the Haredim continue and the rift within the change bloc has not yet been closed.