Goldknopf won't say if UTJ will sit with Eisenkot coalition

MK Yitzchak Goldknopf of United Torah Judaism was asked today (Sunday) whether he would sit with left-wing parties and whether he is waiting for an offer from Gadi Eisenkot, following reports that Eisenkot is considering forming a government with UTJ's abstention from outside the coalition.

Responding to questions from Channel 13 correspondent Yoeli Brim and Israel Hayom correspondent Yaakov Hershkowitz, Goldknopf said: "Don't ask because I won't answer. We are currently sitting together and discussing."

Earlier today, MK Yaakov Porush also dismissed the wave of reports and speculation that spread over the past day, according to which the chareidi parties are examining cooperation with the opposition bloc led by Eisenkot. He rejected claims that United Torah Judaism would agree to go with him in exchange for a draft exemption: "Who will go with him?! He's not even calling us, and he won't call us."

One scenario being examined by Eisenkot is forming a government with the abstention of United Torah Judaism and Ra'am from outside, with Segalovitz voting in favor. This does not involve negotiations with the Joint List, which has declared it will not oppose replacing the government. The numbers would be 49-46, but Lieberman has declared his opposition and the chareidim would require concessions on the draft. Additionally, Abbas has demanded to be part of the coalition, even if not as a minister in the government, effectively a minefield that would be very difficult to navigate.

According to correspondent Amir Ettinger, this may also serve as leverage in negotiations with Netanyahu over a unity government. However, it appears that such a government is currently facing opposition among many in Eisenkot's bloc, and it is far from certain that it will materialize.

The Yashar! party responded to the report: "We are working with tremendous commitment to fulfill the voters' will in replacing the failed government. At this stage, we will not comment on what is happening behind closed doors. The various publications are not our position and do not necessarily describe reality as it is."

The Chairman of United Torah Judaism stated: "Naturally, in the coming period countless spins, headlines and various briefings concerning United Torah Judaism will be published. We clarify: any publication attributed to us that was not officially conveyed by us is denied in advance. We will not bother to deny each publication individually and will not establish a denial center for every false report. Thank you for understanding."