Shas Party Won't Join Next Government Without Haredi Draft Exemptions
Translated & summarized from Mignews by baba
Arie Deri, chairman of the Shas party, declared that his party will not join the next Israeli government without a law guaranteeing exemptions from military service for yeshiva students. This condition, also echoed by United Torah Judaism, could complicate coalition formation ahead of the October 27 elections. Gadi Eisenkot, an aspiring government leader, has vowed to end these exemptions.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Shas party chairman Arie Deri stated his party will not join the next government without a law on Haredi draft exemptions.
- The condition is legislative codification of the special status of yeshiva students exempt from military service.
- United Torah Judaism has issued a similar demand regarding the status of yeshiva students.
- Shas and United Torah Judaism recently agreed on joint support before the October 27 elections.
- The Haredi parties' stance may complicate future coalition formation.
- Gadi Eisenkot aims to end mass exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men from military service.
Arie Deri, chairman of the Shas party, stated that his political faction will not join or support the next government unless a law is passed to enshrine the special status of yeshiva students exempt from military service. Deri conveyed this condition in an interview with the Haredi publication Kikar HaShabbat, emphasizing that Shas's participation in any future ruling coalition hinges on the legislative resolution of the Haredi conscription issue. He did not specify a timeline for the law's enactment.
United Torah Judaism, another Haredi party, has put forth a similar demand. Its chairman, Yaakov Asher, declared that the party will not join a government that fails to pass a law concerning the status of yeshiva students. These two Haredi parties recently agreed to joint support ahead of the elections scheduled for October 27.
The stance taken by Shas and United Torah Judaism could complicate the formation of a future coalition. Gadi Eisenkot, who is aspiring to lead the government, has previously pledged to end the mass exemption of ultra-Orthodox men from conscription, although he had previously indicated a willingness to cooperate with Haredi parties.
