No Netanyahu Endorsement, No Break with the Right

United Torah Judaism MK Yitzchok Pindrus insisted Thursday that his party’s refusal to recommend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to form Israel’s next government does not mean it is abandoning its longstanding relationship with the religious right. However, he emphasized that UTJ is not committed to any candidate and will base its political decisions primarily on securing a solution to the military draft crisis facing yeshiva bochurim.

Speaking with Arutz Sheva-Israel National News at the President’s Residence, Pindrus sought to clarify UTJ’s position following its decision to withhold an endorsement during consultations over the formation of the next coalition. He explained that the party remains deeply committed to Israel’s religious community, regardless of which political leader ultimately receives its support.

“We will not abandon them for a moment. The leaders of the Torah world are deeply concerned about the religious community in the State of Israel and our partnership with them,” he said. “Right now, we are not recommending anyone, but if we enter negotiations with anyone, there is no doubt that the religious community in Israel will remain an integral part of our agenda.”

When questioned about the possibility that UTJ’s refusal to back Netanyahu could help topple the prime minister’s political bloc, Pindrus rejected the premise of the question.

“How did you get to Netanyahu? How did you get to the right? How did you get to that?” he responded.

The MK also addressed reports that opposition figures Avigdor Lieberman and Gadi Eisenkot have been attempting to persuade the chareidi parties to consider joining an alternative governing coalition.

“Netanyahu is courting us too. It’s all fine. We’re not aligning ourselves with anyone just yet.”

Pindrus made clear that the overriding consideration for UTJ is finding an acceptable arrangement that would protect yeshiva bochurim from military conscription and the enforcement measures currently being pursued against them.

“We are committed to finding a solution, as I said, including on matters concerning the religious community, but right now, above all, on the issue of yeshiva students who are being persecuted,” he said.

Asked whether UTJ would oppose an effort to remove Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, a move that could become part of the political maneuvering surrounding the next government, Pindrus declined to announce a position of his own.

“We will receive instructions, and that is what we will do.”

The interview also touched on the possibility of cooperation with Lieberman, whose previous statements and policies targeting the chareidi community have made him a particularly controversial figure among chareidi voters.

Pindrus suggested that past political hostility should not automatically rule out future cooperation, pointing to criticism his own party has received since declining to endorse Netanyahu.

“I was told that there are media outlets now speaking against us because we didn’t recommend Netanyahu, including some very serious things. So what, should we not forgive them? It’s all fine,” he replied.

During Thursday’s consultations with President Isaac Herzog, UTJ representatives reinforced that position, insisting that the next government must address the treatment of lomdei Torah. Pindrus argued that the longstanding principle of Toraso umnaso must remain the foundation of any arrangement governing military service for yeshiva bochurim.

The delegation, which included Pindrus, Yitzchok Goldknopf and Moshe Rosenthal, was questioned by Herzog about whether the party would accept a framework requiring chareidi men who are not studying to enlist. Pindrus maintained that UTJ’s traditional position applies to those whose Torah study is their full-time occupation.

Goldknopf went further in distancing the party from automatic allegiance to Netanyahu, declaring that UTJ was not obligated to any political bloc.

The decision has significantly complicated Netanyahu’s efforts to remain prime minister. Following the completion of presidential consultations, Gadi Eisenkot emerged with recommendations from 67 Knesset members, compared with 46 for Netanyahu, although neither candidate has secured a governing majority.