Shas and UTJ have agreed to enter coalition negotiations as a bloc in order to acquire best results for both parties. Neither will join the government without the other.

According to an Israel Today report, Shas initiated the bloc over concern that PM Netanyahu refuses to commit to a coalition with Shas, indicating Livni or Lapid are an alternative. Shas and UTJ will cooperate on three shred issues – draft of Yeshiva students, Yeshiva budgets, and conversion regulations.