Ultra-Orthodox Party Demands Conscription Law Without Quotas or Sanctions
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Member of Knesset Yitzchak Goldknopf of United Torah Judaism stated the party demands a conscription law without quotas or sanctions, a non-negotiable directive from the Council of Torah Sages. Secret talks are underway between the "Change Bloc" and United Torah Judaism for a minority government, with the latter seeking concessions on conscription and yeshiva student status. While the Change Bloc is considering compromises, Avigdor Lieberman of Yisrael Beiteinu firmly opposes any reliance on ultra-Orthodox parties and insists on universal conscription.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- United Torah Judaism demands a conscription law without quotas or sanctions, according to MK Yitzchak Goldknopf.
- Secret talks are occurring for a minority government led by Gadi Eisenkot, relying on United Torah Judaism's abstention.
- The Change Bloc is considering compromises on the conscription issue to form a government.
- Avigdor Lieberman rejects any alliance with ultra-Orthodox parties and insists on universal conscription.
- United Torah Judaism seeks regulated status for yeshiva students as part of negotiations.
Member of Knesset Yitzchak Goldknopf of United Torah Judaism has clarified that the party's core demands remain unchanged amidst secret talks aimed at forming a minority government. Goldknopf stated that the faction insists on a conscription law without targets or sanctions, a position dictated by the Council of Torah Sages. These negotiations involve senior figures from the "Change Bloc" and United Torah Judaism, attempting to engineer a complex political maneuver. The proposed scenario involves a minority government led by Gadi Eisenkot, relying on United Torah Judaism's abstention, which would reduce Netanyahu's bloc to 46 mandates and Eisenkot's to 55. In return, United Torah Judaism seeks an agreed-upon conscription law and a regulated status for yeshiva students.
Senior figures in the faction confirmed that contacts are ongoing through intermediaries, but assess the chances of success as very slim. Those within the Change Bloc also believe it will be difficult to reach a conscription law text acceptable to all segments of United Torah Judaism. However, some in United Torah Judaism believe that if conscription agreements are reached, Shas might join the move later, especially after their significant electoral losses.
Conversely, the Change Bloc is showing a shift in attitude towards the ultra-Orthodox public. A senior MK admitted that following the election results, the possibility of compromising on the conscription issue to enable government formation is being seriously considered. This MK argued that the public did not vote against the ultra-Orthodox and that compromises on conscription would be examined if necessary for government formation.
The major obstacle to this plan remains Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, who has explicitly ruled out sitting with or relying on ultra-Orthodox parties. Lieberman reiterated his stance that the first law in any government he joins will be a universal conscription law with zero exemptions, a principle he will not compromise on, even at the risk of new elections.
Mentioned
