It’s Noon in Israel: 10 Commandments of Israeli Politics: Commandment V: Always Bet on Black and White...

Amit Segal analyzes the role of ultra-Orthodox parties in Israeli coalition building. These black-hatted factions often determine government formation through strategic alliances with larger parties.

Their consistent bloc voting and demands on religious issues give them outsized leverage in negotiations. The piece outlines how this dynamic has shaped multiple Israeli governments.