Ra'am Party Did Not Always Oppose Pro-IDF Legislation
Translated & summarized from Globes by baba
Outgoing Likud MK Ofir Katz's claim that Arab parties consistently oppose pro-IDF legislation has been refuted. During the previous government, Ra'am members voted in favor of a conscription bill and did not oppose a law providing tuition benefits for combat soldiers. Ra'am's chairman also supported legislation concerning the placement of soldiers in security-related roles. The analysis found Katz's statement to be inaccurate based on Ra'am's voting record.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ra'am members voted for a conscription law and did not oppose tuition benefits for combat soldiers.
- Outgoing Likud MK Ofir Katz's claim about Arab parties opposing pro-IDF laws was found inaccurate.
- Ra'am Chairman Mansour Abbas voted in favor of a law on soldier placement in prisons.
- The analysis examined Ra'am's voting record during the previous coalition government.
- Katz's office did not respond to the findings of the report.
A claim by outgoing Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz of the Likud party that Arab parties, specifically Ra'am, "always vote against any law that comes to the Knesset for the benefit of IDF soldiers" has been found to be largely inaccurate. An examination of Ra'am's voting record during its participation in the previous coalition government between June 2021 and December 2022 reveals instances where the party supported legislation beneficial to the military.
During this period, Ra'am members voted in favor of a conscription law proposed by then-Defense Minister Beni Gantz, which aimed to regulate the military service of yeshiva students. Although the bill ultimately failed in its first reading, three out of Ra'am's four Knesset members voted for it, with the fourth absent. Additionally, Ra'am did not oppose the "Dimensions for Studies" law, which provides discharged combat soldiers with state funding for 75% of their annual tuition.
The "Dimensions for Studies" law's passage was complicated by the resignation of Coalition Chairwoman Idit Silman, which left the government with a slim majority. This necessitated seeking opposition support for legislation. While reports on Ra'am's stance varied, Chairman Mansour Abbas stated that the party had conditions but ultimately did not oppose the bill, though they were not present for the final vote.
Furthermore, in December 2021, Mansour Abbas voted in favor of a law regulating the placement of soldiers in police units and prisons, particularly in wings holding security prisoners. This directly addressed military service and security matters.
Katz's office did not provide a response to these findings. The analysis concludes that Katz's statement is incorrect, as Ra'am members supported laws serving the IDF's needs and did not oppose legislation granting economic benefits to soldiers during the previous government.
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