Shas's Deri rules out change bloc government without Likud as UTJ weighs talks
The divide between the two ultra-Orthodox parties has taken on particular significance in light of the 26th Knesset election results, which left neither bloc with the 61 seats needed
Assessment
The public split between Shas and UTJ over coalition strategy reshapes the math of Israel's deadlocked election. Deri's refusal to form a government without Likud closes one theoretical path and pressures UTJ to choose between its longtime partner and a potential narrow coalition. The real test is whether UTJ's reported openness to talks with both blocs becomes serious negotiation or remains leverage. Watch whether UTJ actually enters substantive discussions with the anti-Netanyahu camp, which would force a realignment of the religious bloc.