Haredi parties Shas and United Torah Judaism (UTJ) are signaling reluctance to endorse either Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or opposition candidate Gadi Eisenkot for the task of forming Israel’s next government following the upcoming elections, according to sources close to the parties.

The sources, who have insight into the internal discussions within the ultra-Orthodox political circles, suggest that neither Shas nor UTJ plans to recommend a candidate to President Isaac Herzog. Despite this, the parties do not appear to be actively pursuing efforts to replace Netanyahu or assist opposition factions in their attempts to remove current Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana.

A key factor behind the haredi parties’ hesitancy is the ongoing dispute over the conscription law affecting ultra-Orthodox Jews. The parties prefer to remain in opposition until there is clarity on the legislation. Even if the law passes through the Knesset, concerns persist that the High Court of Justice could potentially overturn it, which contributes to hesitation about joining a governing coalition before this issue is resolved.

It is important to note that these assessments derive from individuals familiar with the haredi political establishment rather than official declarations from the parties’ rabbinical leadership.

The evolving situation has emerged as opposition factions prepare for the possibility of an inconclusive election result. Within the opposition bloc, there is discussion about replacing Amir Ohana as Knesset Speaker once the new parliament convenes. This strategy is intended to enhance the bloc’s control over the parliamentary agenda and facilitate the advancement of legislative priorities.

Among the initiatives the opposition plans to promote are the establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 attacks and the introduction of term limits for the office of prime minister. To support these goals, the opposition aims to form key parliamentary committees, including the House Committee and the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, after securing a new Knesset Speaker sympathetic to their cause.

The political maneuvering underscores ongoing tensions within the Israeli political landscape as parties position themselves ahead of the elections amid unresolved issues on conscription and leadership.