Ultra-Orthodox Parties Demand Full Draft Exemption Without Sanctions

The ultra-Orthodox parties Agudat Yisrael and Degel HaTorah have agreed on a unified stance for coalition negotiations, demanding a complete exemption from military service for all yeshiva students without any sanctions. This represents a significant shift, particularly for Degel HaTorah, which had previously engaged in discussions about a conscription law that included personal sanctions, aiming for a legally viable framework.

The agreement also stipulates that until the Knesset enacts legislation formally recognizing the status of Torah scholars, the parties will not support any bills, with exceptions to be determined by senior rabbinical authorities. Furthermore, their participation in government and Knesset roles is contingent upon the resolution of the yeshiva students' status. The agreement specifies that until the Knesset approves the law, representatives from these parties will not serve as ministers, deputy ministers, or chairpersons of Knesset committees.