Bennett’s silence on haredi coalition talks deepens doubts amid internal power struggles
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Sources in the Eisenkot bloc say Naftali Bennett has refused to say where he stands on proposed concessions to ultra-Orthodox parties, feeding concern that the current government-formation plan is being shaped more by tactical silence than clear commitment.
Negotiations to form a government led by Gadi Eisenkot are laying bare sharp tensions among potential coalition partners over how, and whether, to bring the ultra-Orthodox parties into the deal. While Eisenkot and Avigdor Liberman both say a haredi presence is necessary, they diverge on timing and on whether they should wait for Shas leader Arye Deri to join the process. Liberman wants agreements with both haredi parties secured from the outset, while Eisenkot favors a phased approach in order to avoid delays and keep the process from stalling.
Within the bloc, members say Naftali Bennett has not taken a public position on the draft-concession framework now being discussed. A source said Bennett has "lowered his profile and imposed silence on himself regarding the contentious issues and negotiations with the haredi parties," even as he continues to stress support for those who serve in the military. Bennett posted on Facebook that redirecting funds from draft dodgers to serving soldiers is a priority for the upcoming term.
The absence of a clear position has led some bloc figures to wonder whether Bennett is truly committed to the current coalition plan or is leaving himself room to pivot toward another election. These are internal suspicions, not claims Bennett has confirmed. The bloc’s other leaders say they back Eisenkot and trust his leadership, though they are not directly involved in the haredi negotiations.