Haredi MKs instructed to end cooperation with coalition over contentious ultra-Orthodox draft bill

Spiritual leader Rabbi Dov Lando has instructed lawmakers from the United Torah Judaism party to cease cooperating with the coalition on advancing the contentious haredi draft bill. This directive, issued Sunday evening, marks a significant setback for the legislation and complicates Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political maneuvering.

The progress of the draft bill has become deeply entangled with the haredi parties' broader political agenda, particularly their desire to dissolve the Knesset and hold elections earlier than scheduled. The parties aim to move the election date from October 27 to September to better align with the High Holy Days.

Lando's spokesperson criticized Netanyahu, stating that it's no longer realistic to expect the bill's passage. "If Netanyahu really wanted to pass this law, it already would have happened," the spokesperson told Army Radio, suggesting a lack of genuine commitment from the Prime Minister. This sentiment reflects growing doubts among coalition members, with several lawmakers publicly opposing the bill, arguing it won't solve the IDF's manpower crisis and could jeopardize national security.

Netanyahu had reportedly seen advancing the draft bill as a final attempt to persuade the haredi parties against voting to dissolve the Knesset. However, with the haredi parties' stance shifting following Lando's instruction, the coalition is now reconsidering its strategy. The bill's advancement, initially planned for rapid progress, is now uncertain, potentially forcing the government to navigate the upcoming election period without this key piece of legislation.

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If Netanyahu really wanted to pass this law, it already would have happened. We know that party leaders tend to break promises and not stick to what they said before elections.