No peace, no shtreimel

Key Findings:

The influence of Haredi parties in Israeli politics has undergone a significant shift due to the changing dynamics of the diplomatic process. Previously, Haredi parties held considerable leverage, primarily due to the possibility of a peace agreement with the Palestinians. The pursuit of peace was a defining issue in Israeli politics, and the Haredim capitalized on their role in exchange for arrangements and budgets that aligned with their demands.

However, the landscape has changed, and there is now absence of any diplomatic channels for peace in Israeli politics. Without a viable avenue for diplomatic negotiations, the Haredim no longer have a significant offering to bring to the table. Parties such as Yesh Atid, which were founded on opposition to the Haredim, would not support their inclusion in the coalition. Additionally, the absence of a shared goal like peace removes the incentive for the civil-liberal camp to engage with the Haredim.

This decline in the Haredi parties' market value extends beyond the left-wing camp and also affects the right-wing. With limited options, the Haredim find themselves in a precarious position. Their current behavior reflects a realization among their leaders that Haredi power has peaked, and future elections may not be as favorable for them. Consequently, they are seizing the moment and striving to secure as much as they can in the present political landscape.