Ultra-Orthodox Draft Bill Seeks Broad Exemption; Netanyahu Pushes for Key Committee Chair
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS by baba
Ultra-Orthodox parties are developing a draft law for a broad military service exemption, with a close associate of Rabbi Hirsch presenting a proposal. Prime Minister Netanyahu is urging them to recommend him for the mandate to form a government, aiming to secure a favorable draft law. The Attorney General reported over 110,000 draft dodgers, 81% of whom are ultra-Orthodox, and suggested revoking economic benefits.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ultra-Orthodox parties are drafting a law for a sweeping military service exemption.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu is pushing for a favorable draft law and committee appointment.
- Over 110,000 individuals, 81% ultra-Orthodox, are evading military draft.
- Ultra-Orthodox parties may withhold support for a government without draft law passage.
- The Attorney General suggested revoking economic benefits for draft dodgers.
Ultra-Orthodox parties have begun formulating a "lenient draft law" that would grant them a sweeping exemption from military service, according to reporter Ari Kalman. A figure close to Rabbi Hirsch, a leader of the Degel HaTorah party and proponent of several ultra-Orthodox legislative initiatives, recently presented a "Basic Law on Free Elections" to the rabbi and Knesset members. This proposed law would provide a comprehensive exemption from military conscription for the ultra-Orthodox community.
Simultaneously, ultra-Orthodox parties have declared they will not support any government unless the draft law is passed. They are also considering not recommending any candidate to the President for the mandate to form a government. Prime Minister Netanyahu has been conveying messages to the ultra-Orthodox, urging them to recommend him to the President to receive the first mandate. He believes this would enable the appointment of a chairman for the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee who would facilitate the passage of a favorable draft law.
Earlier, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara informed the High Court of Justice that the number of draft dodgers has surged to 110,330, with 81% of them being ultra-Orthodox. Only 4,298 individuals were drafted this year. The Attorney General explained that draft evasion is widespread and the state is not fully utilizing its enforcement tools. She suggested that the court consider implementing additional operational directives to revoke economic benefits for draft dodgers.
