Channel 13 political correspondent Yoeli Brim revealed for the first time the details of preliminary understandings reached between Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman and the chareidi parties, in a move designed to bring Lieberman to the premiership with chareidi backing.
According to the report, in exchange for joining a "change bloc" government, the chareidi parties would receive legislation bringing an immediate halt to arrests of yeshiva bochurim who have not reported for IDF service. A new committee would be established to re-examine the question of national service in Israel, not only in the chareidi community, but also among the Arab population and other sectors. Sources involved in the contacts say the purpose of this clause is to shift public focus and pressure away from the chareidi community.
Housing and Interior to United Torah Judaism
Alongside the ideological issues, the understandings include a detailed division of senior portfolios. United Torah Judaism would receive the Construction and Housing Ministry, to be held by MK Yaakov Asher.
The party would also receive the Interior Ministry, where according to the plan a member of Degel HaTorah who is not serving as an MK would serve as minister.
Negotiating teams and the freeze amid bloc concerns
On Lieberman's side, the contacts are being conducted by Avi Abuhatzeira, businessman Jackie Ben Zaken, and Jerusalem mayor Moshe Lion. On the chareidi side they are facing David Shapira, a close associate of Maran HaGaon HaRav Dov Lando shlita and the strong man in Degel HaTorah, and Moti Babchik, a trusted figure in Agudas Yisrael.
