Arab States Back Haredi Parties Joining Eisenkot's Government

In depth

Diplomats from an Arab state that maintains relations with Israel are following negotiations to form a government led by Gadi Eisenkot. According to a report on Kan News, they view favorably the possibility that the Haredi parties will join the government.

In closed conversations, the diplomats said the Haredim are a "more convenient partner" compared with Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. Arab states prefer a government with the Haredim over the far right, and they would not place obstacles in the way of political arrangements.

As Israel's political system is embroiled in the debate over the conscription law, the Haredim may, without aspirations for annexation and settlement, allow progress on diplomatic moves in Syria, Lebanon and Gaza. In exchange, they are seeking regularization of the status of yeshiva students and the return of funding to the Torah world.