Shocking ultimatum: United Torah Judaism to leave coalition over draft law dispute, sources confirm

This statement follows the culmination of several intense discussions and is in line with the ultimatum threats that had been reported in recent weeks.

In a pivotal meeting held on Sunday in Bnei Brak, the Gerrer Rebbe, HaGaon HaRav Dov Landau, and HaGaon HaRav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, prominent leaders of the UTJ, gathered to discuss the ongoing issue of the draft law. The meeting was described as serious and resolute, lasting approximately 25 minutes. During the meeting, the Gedolei Yisrael unanimously agreed on the course of action: if a solution to the conscription issue is not achieved by Shavuos, UTJ will withdraw from the coalition. This would likely result in the collapse of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's government.

Despite efforts from Netanyahu to extend the deadline past Shavuos, the Gedolim stood firm in their position, making it clear that they would not back down. This decision came after separate phone calls between the Belzer Rebbe and Netanyahu, as well as discussions with Rav Hirsch.

The latest developments follow reports from last week that suggested a potential agreement between UTJ and the Israeli government. Under the proposed deal, UTJ would support the state budget in exchange for a commitment from Netanyahu to resolve the conscription law issue before Shavuos. The deal, which has been referred to as the “Pindros Outline” after MK Yitzhak Pindros, the chairman of UTJ, was finalized after a series of discussions between the political and rabbinic leadership of the party. The plan outlined that if the conscription law was not approved by Shavuos, UTJ would issue a public ultimatum and pull out of the coalition.

In the days leading up to the crucial deadline, tensions have continued to rise. On Motzei Shabbos, Rabbi Elyakim Stark, a key figure in the political leadership of the Chasidish faction, delivered messages on behalf of the Belzer Rebbe to Rav Hirsch regarding the handling of the conscription law. The following morning, these messages were conveyed back to the Belzer Rebbe. Later, a rare telephone conversation took place between Netanyahu and Rav Hirsch in which they discussed the current status of the draft law and the ongoing budget negotiations.

The UTJ’s decision to leave the coalition would significantly impact the stability of the Israeli government. With Shavuos fast approaching, it remains to be seen whether Netanyahu will be able to reach an agreement that satisfies the religious parties or if this will be the catalyst for political upheaval in Israel.