Lieberman's Decade-Old Draft Law Could Enable Eisenkot's Ultra-Orthodox Government
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Gadi Eisenkot, poised to form a government, may propose an older draft conscription law from Avigdor Lieberman to secure an ultra-Orthodox coalition. This 2018 law, more favorable to the ultra-Orthodox than a recent proposal, could be key to forming a government without Binyamin Netanyahu. However, the law faces internal political hurdles and potential judicial review, with a resolution uncertain.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Gadi Eisenkot may form a government with ultra-Orthodox parties using Avigdor Lieberman's 2018 draft conscription law.
- The 2018 law is more favorable to ultra-Orthodox parties than a recent proposal by MK Boaz Bismuth.
- Ultra-Orthodox parties demand a conscription law without sanctions or targets, aligning with Lieberman's proposal.
- Forming such a government requires assurances from Lieberman and Naftali Bennett, with negotiations via intermediaries.
- The law faces challenges including its passage before government swearing-in and potential High Court review.
A draft conscription law proposed by Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman in 2018, which was more favorable to the ultra-Orthodox parties than a later proposal by MK Boaz Bismuth, may pave the way for Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of Yisrael, to form a government with them. Eisenkot is expected to be tasked with forming a government and will have six weeks to do so, facing a choice between a unity government with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu or a coalition with the ultra-Orthodox parties, who are demanding a revised conscription law.
The ultra-Orthodox parties, specifically Yahadut HaTorah, are seeking a conscription law without sanctions or specific targets, a demand that aligns with Lieberman's 2018 proposal. At that time, Lieberman, then Defense Minister, had good relations with the ultra-Orthodox parties and offered them a law they reportedly would have accepted, though they refused it then. This law would allow the government to alter conscription targets and could potentially lead to Yisrael Beiteinu and the ultra-Orthodox parties rejoining the same government.
However, the details of Lieberman's proposed law contradict the election promises of the "Change Bloc" parties. Eisenkot would need assurances of support from Lieberman and Naftali Bennett, chairman of Yisrael, to prevent them from later criticizing his decision. Negotiations are reportedly being conducted through intermediaries due to this concern.
Furthermore, the ultra-Orthodox parties face a challenge: they would need to vote for Eisenkot's government before the law is passed, as a legal opinion suggests the conscription law cannot be enacted before the government is sworn in. The passage of the law itself is also uncertain, as it may not receive approval from the High Court of Justice (Bagatz). This situation presents a dilemma for both sides, with a resolution not guaranteed. There is also speculation that Eisenkot might be using the possibility of an ultra-Orthodox coalition to pressure Netanyahu, rather than genuinely intending to form such a government.
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