Amid mounting reports suggesting that chareidi lawmakers have adopted a more aggressive tone toward the government, the Israeli Yated Neeman is now striking a more moderate chord. While easing immediate threats, the newspaper will make clear tomorrow that continued support for the coalition will depend on Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s concrete actions, not just promises.
Despite fierce warnings earlier in the day from Degel HaTorah MKs about a possible withdrawal from the coalition due to the stalled Chok HaGiyus (Draft Law), the Yated Neeman is set to publish a statement Wednesday clarifying that Rav Dov Landau has not yet instructed the party to leave the government. The article says that the community is waiting to see what steps the prime minister actually takes in the coming days.
According to new information obtained Tuesday evening, there remains a strong inclination among chareidi political circles to exit the government, based on the widespread understanding that the draft legislation is unlikely to pass—not due to lack of will alone, but because of insurmountable opposition to key elements such as sanctions and enlistment quotas.
A senior insider told Kikar HaShabbat: “The meeting with Yuli Edelstein and chareidi representatives just ended. There seems to be willingness to move forward, and if there’s visible progress, another chance may be given. But patience is wearing thin, and the de facto deadline is the end of this week.”
Edelstein’s office later confirmed that the meeting—lasting over four hours—was held in good spirits, and that both sides intend to continue discussions to seek a resolution.
Tensions had intensified earlier in the day when the home of Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch released a statement warning that “in the absence of a dramatic change regarding the draft law, he will instruct United Torah Judaism to leave the coalition.”
Political analyst Yishai Cohen noted that one of the primary sticking points in negotiations between Edelstein and the chareidim is the definition of who counts toward the draft targets. Edelstein, aligning with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, insists that only those entering IDF service should be counted, excluding those performing national or civil service. Furthermore, Edelstein reportedly demands that only recruits entering combat or combat-support roles be tallied toward the quota—setting the bar far beyond current expectations.
Given these conditions, the prospect of reaching a mutually agreed draft law appears increasingly remote.
Degel HaTorah chairman Moshe Gafni sent a pointed message to Netanyahu Tuesday afternoon, acting on behalf of both Rav Landau and Rav Hirsch. According to reports, he warned that if no real progress is made on the draft law by Tuesday night, the party would begin escalating its response immediately. While no details were given as to what that escalation would entail, the threat was taken seriously.
Meanwhile, political maneuvering continued behind the scenes. Motty Babchik, a top aide to UTJ minister Yitzchok Goldknopf, reportedly met today with National Unity leader Benny Gantz. According to journalist Michael Shemesh, the two discussed possible cooperation on legislation to dissolve the Knesset, with support from both opposition and chareidi lawmakers.
In parallel, opposition leader Yair Lapid addressed the developing crisis at the start of his Yesh Atid faction meeting. “Let me speak directly to the gedolei Yisroel—to the Rebbe of Ger, to Rav Landau, to Rav Hirsch, to Rav Yitzchak Yosef: They are deceiving you,” Lapid declared. “Netanyahu knows this draft exemption law will never pass. He’s just stalling to get through the summer session.”
Lapid went on to say, “All he cares about is staying in power while he’s under cross-examination in court. He’s feeding you fairy tales and empty pledges. He doesn’t know how—and can’t—deliver the law you want.”

{Matzav.com Israel}