Yoram Cohen Vows No Compromise on Draft Law, Open to Coalition Talks

Yoram Cohen, leader of the 'Yesh' party, has firmly responded to claims made by MK Yitzhak Gafni, stating that his party will not compromise on the issue of equal burden and a universal draft law. Cohen declared, "I commit that this will not happen, even at the cost of repeat elections."

Cohen revealed that quiet negotiations are underway with elements within the current coalition, specifically mentioning the ultra-Orthodox parties. He emphasized that 'Yesh' is committed to ensuring that all segments of society share the burden of military service.

The statement comes amid ongoing political tensions surrounding the conscription of ultra-Orthodox men into the IDF, a key issue for the stability of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. The ultra-Orthodox parties have historically sought exemptions for their yeshiva students, a demand that faces strong opposition from other segments of Israeli society and some political factions.

Cohen's firm stance suggests that his party is prepared to hold out for significant concessions on the draft law, even if it risks jeopardizing the coalition's stability and potentially triggering new elections. The 'Yesh' party aims to achieve a more equitable distribution of military service responsibilities across all sectors of Israeli society.