Israel’s ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism (UTJ) party has declined to endorse any candidate for prime minister during consultations with President Isaac Herzog, withholding support from longtime political ally Benjamin Netanyahu.
The decision was announced on Thursday, November 5, as Herzog continued consultations with political parties following Israel’s October 27 parliamentary elections.
UTJ, which holds seven seats in the incoming 120-member Knesset, comprises two factions: Degel HaTorah, with four seats, and Agudat Yisrael, with three.
Both factions were instructed by their respective spiritual leaders not to recommend any candidate for the premiership.
The decision reflects growing tensions between the ultra-Orthodox party and Netanyahu’s outgoing coalition. A major disagreement concerns legislation granting exemptions from compulsory military service to ultra-Orthodox men.
Meanwhile, opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot has gained support from several parties seeking to replace Netanyahu. His supporters include Yashar, the Democrats, Yisrael Beytenu and Ra’am.
Netanyahu’s Likud and several right-wing parties have recommended him to form the next government.
Herzog will decide which lawmaker should receive the mandate to assemble a governing coalition, as neither political bloc has secured an outright majority.
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