Ultra-Orthodox politicians attack ‘shameful’ government

Shas’s Eli Yishai protests the looming budget cuts and the exclusion of the ultra-Orthodox from the coalition. “I’m sorry to spoil the celebratory atmosphere,” he says, but he fears “a cruel budget” that will deeply harm Israel’s impoverished sectors. “We’ll be there for those who are pleading for bread… we’ll do everything we can to help.”

Voters didn’t expect a government that would so harm the weaker sectors, he says.

Yaakov Litzman of United Torah Judaism, whose party walked out during Netanyahu’s speech, follows Yishai. He starts by sarcastically thanking the authorities for allowing him to speak even though he has a beard and wears a skullcap.

“This is the first time that a government has been formed in Israel,” he says, that “shamefully” says “no to the ultra-Orthodox, to Torah study” and says “yes to the tearing apart” of the Jewish people.

Yair Lapid first pushed “to exclude us” and now says he’ll “take care of us,” Litzman protests. And Bennett’s Jewish Home party is no better, he says.

Lapid cares about the ultra-Orthodox like Arab MK Ahmed Tibi cares about the settlements, he says. Sitting in opposition will be no great punishment, he adds.