The Ichud Leumi party’s central committee convened on Sunday evening to discuss continuing its partnership with Bayit Yehudi. It was decided that it would make a number of demands in order to continue running on a joint slate, including freedom to vote as it wishes on matters of religion and state and this would include the chairman of the party in the leadership of the coalition; full participation in the election campaign – a ratio of 1/3 on the Knesset list.

It was decided not to remain in partnership with Bayit Yehudi ‘at any price’, and to remain firm regarding the demands listed. Responsibility for negotiating with Bayit Yehudi was given to Natan Natanson (Nus), who will then bring the deal to the central committee for approval.

Ichud Leumi is the more hawkish partner between the two, as well as more torani, and while it has run together with Bayit Yehudi in the past two Knesset elections, as Bayit Yehudi appears to be less religious and according to some, less right-wing, Ichud Leumi t may decide to split rather than to dilute its ideology.

MKs from Ichud Leumi currently serving in Knesset include Minister of Agriculture Uri Ariel and MK Betzalel Smotrich.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)