As Israel braces for a possible dramatic late-night Knesset vote on a bill to dissolve the government, tensions between key members of the coalition continue to escalate, with harsh accusations and private confrontations further unraveling the fragile alliance.
Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman Yuli Edelstein, a central figure in the ongoing political crisis, issued a stern warning to chareidi lawmakers earlier today: “Don’t come to me before you remove the threat of toppling the government.”
At the same time, Moshe Gafni, chairman of Degel HaTorah, delivered a sharp rebuke in a side conversation on the Knesset floor. According to Channel 12 reporter Dafna Liel, Gafni lashed out at Edelstein, saying, “He’s a liar and a fraud. He won’t bring any law.”
Despite the fiery rhetoric, talks have continued behind the scenes as coalition members scramble to find a path forward amid deepening disagreements, particularly over the future of the controversial draft law.
Following Argentine President Javier Milei’s address to the Knesset, representatives of the chareidi parties entered a closed-door meeting with Edelstein. MKs Uri Maklev and Yaakov Asher were seen entering the session.
As previously reported, an earlier meeting between the chareidi factions—led by former minister Ariel Attias—and Knesset legal adviser Sagit Afik ended without agreement. Disputes between the chareidi parties and the legal team remain unresolved, and even if partial understandings are reached, any agreement would require Edelstein’s approval. Edelstein has already stated that any deal must also meet the needs of Israel’s security establishment, leaving little room for optimism.
Meanwhile, senior rabbinic figures are closely monitoring the developments. Rav Dov Landau, Rosh Yeshiva of Slabodka, is reportedly receiving constant updates. This evening, he instructed Degel HaTorah MKs to vote in favor of dissolving the Knesset unless a signed agreement is presented, one that includes signatures from both Edelstein and the legal advisers to the Knesset and the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, along with a detailed timeline securing the status of yeshiva students.
Shas leader Aryeh Deri is continuing efforts to convince Degel HaTorah to delay the vote by one week. However, Degel insiders say the party sees no choice but to vote in favor of dissolution, citing Edelstein’s dismissal of chareidi concerns as empty threats and the need to demonstrate that their position is serious.
Currently, all negotiations are focused on Degel HaTorah and Shas, as the Prime Minister’s office believes that the Ger faction has already committed unequivocally to dissolving the Knesset.
As of now, Rav Dov Landau has ordered Degel HaTorah to vote in favor of the bill. If that directive holds when the vote is called tonight, it is expected that Shas will fall in line and vote alongside Degel, potentially sealing the fate of the 25th Knesset.

{Matzav.com Israel}