Israel: The United Torah Judaism (UTJ) party has declined to recommend any candidate for prime minister during consultations
Israel: The United Torah Judaism (UTJ) party has declined to recommend any candidate for prime minister during consultations with President Isaac Herzog, withholding its support from longtime ally Benjamin Netanyahu.
The decision was reportedly made by both factions of the seven-seat party, Degel HaTorah and Agudat Yisrael, following instructions from their respective rabbinical leaders.
The move comes amid growing frustration with Netanyahu over his failure to pass legislation protecting military service exemptions for yeshiva students. UTJ representatives have made clear that their support for any future government will depend on such legislation.
The decision leaves opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot ahead with the backing of 56 lawmakers, compared with Netanyahu’s 46, as Herzog considers whom to task with forming the next government.
