Shas MK Apologizes for Failure to Pass Conscription Law, Warns Voters

Member of Knesset (MK) Yinon Azoulay, ranked second on the Shas party list, has publicly apologized to the Torah-observant community for the coalition's failure to pass a conscription law during the past term. Speaking on Kol Chai radio, Azoulay acknowledged the disappointment of Torah students, stating, "I know we did not bring results and did not succeed in bringing a conscription law." He empathized with their concerns about public scrutiny and affirmed the party's commitment to allowing Torah scholars to study without interruption.

Azoulay also addressed the integration of Torah scholars and those who serve in the military within the Sephardic community. He emphasized that the army must provide tailored paths for individuals who enlist, especially those who do so under the guidance of their rabbis, stating, "We cannot abandon a person who went to the army on the instructions of his rabbis."

Looking ahead to the upcoming elections, Azoulay issued a stern warning against voter apathy within the sector. He cautioned that abstaining from voting could lead to the formation of a government that would undermine the legacy of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, the late spiritual leader of Shas. Azoulay specifically mentioned the possibility of Merav Michaeli serving as Education Minister and Gilad Kariv as Religious Services Minister in such a scenario, implying these appointments would be detrimental to religious values.