Ultra-Orthodox party breaks with Netanyahu, withholds candidate endorsement in Israel
The ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism faction declined to recommend any candidate for prime minister, breaking its long-standing alliance with Benjamin Netanyahu and declaring itself unbound to any bloc during consultations with President Isaac Herzog. The party, which left the government in July 2025 but supported the coalition from outside, could now act as a kingmaker in a potential minority government led by Gadi Eisenkot. Herzog began the second day of consultations with elected Knesset parties on Thursday. Otzma Yehudit and Likud backed Netanyahu, while Yashar, the Democrats, B'Yachad, and Ra'am supported Eisenkot. The four Degel HaTorah members abstained, while Agudat Yisrael's three representatives had not yet decided. The Arab-led United List also remained undecided.