Shas and United Torah Judaism Ousted From Government

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon fired the ministers and deputy ministers of Shas and United Torah Judaism after the two parties voted against the governments emergency economic bill. The haredi parties objected to the cuts proposed in the family allowance top large families, an expenditure that was added during the Barak administration. The economic bill failed in its first reading in the Knesset as a result of the Shas and UTJ opposition. Sharon ousted the two parties from the coalition for violating the coalition agreement. Labor Party leader Ben Eliezer also disciplined several labor members of Knesset who failed to appear for the vote.

The economic package subsequently passed its first reading two days later as Shas abstained and Labor fully supported the bill. Sharon, however, did not rescind the firing of the haredi ministers, as he demanded that they vote in favor of the bill in order to re-enter the government. The Prime Minister considered the passage of the economic bill as a necessary step to prevent the collapse of the Israeli financial market. From his perspective, it was a consensus package requiring full coalition support and not open to further negotiation.

Although Shas leaders vowed to take revenge on Sharon, analysts believe that the party will find its way back into the government. Shas is reeling from a recent defeat in the Lod municipal elections which brought the leadership of Eli Yishai into question. Furthermore, former leader Aryeh Deri is scheduled to be released from prison this summer, which may increase the possibility of infighting that could further weaken Shas. Sharon has not yet filled the vacant Shas ministries, and has not invited the anti-haredi Shinui party to join the government. A scheduled meeting between Sharon advisors and Shas spiritual leader Harav Ovadiah Yosef was cancelled, but will probably take place during the coming week. Sharon sent a letter to Harav Yosef explaining the importance of support for the budget, and promising that Shas can return to the government if it supports the economic emergency bill in its second and third readings.

Sharon’s firing of the Shas and UTJ ministers and deputy ministers increased his popularity among voters who are anxious for a leader who places the national interest above the political pressure of the smaller parties. This move, combined with his rebuff of the recent decision of the Likud central committee decision regarding the creation of a Palestinian state, have solidified Sharon’s position as a centrist with appeal to the current mainstream of the Israeli electorate.

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