Yitzchak Herzog’s statement is significant because, as peace negotiations with Palestinians move forward, it is possible the right wing Zionist Orthodox Habayit HaYehudi Party will leave the coalition, forcing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to bring in a replacement. But Netanyahu's only real choice for that replacement is Labor.
Labor Party Head Says He Won’t Join Coalition Government Unless Haredim Are Allowed To Join Too
Shmarya Rosenberg • Failed Messiah.com
The newly-elected head of Israel’s Labor Party reportedly sent a message to the leaders of haredi political parties shortly after his election.
Yitzchak Herzog reportedly told those haredi political leaders this week that he will not allow Labor to join the coalition government unless haredi political parties are allowed to join it, as well.
Herzog’s statement is significant because, as peace negotiations with Palestinians move forward, it is possible the right wing Zionist Orthodox Habayit HaYehudi Party will leave the coalition, forcing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to bring in a replacement.
The only party with enough Knesset seats to fill HaBayit HaYehudi’s spot alone is Labor. The only parties left besides Labor and the haredim are far left or Arab – meaning the Netanyahu government would likely fall if HaBayit HaYehudi withdraws, because Yesh Atid – which has 19 seats and is the second largest part in the coalition – has already said that it will not sit in the same government with haredi parties.
Herzog is a grandchild of the late Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel Yitzhak HaLevi Herzog who passed away in 1959.