Journalist Akiva Novik Questions Potential Draft Exemption Law
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Journalist Akiva Novik criticized potential coalition talks for a draft exemption law that could harm reservists. The "Change Bloc" may negotiate a 2018 law with Haredi parties, reportedly after Avigdor Lieberman lifted his veto. Novik fears this undermines efforts for equal burden-sharing. The proposed law has lenient sanctions on yeshivas and draft evaders.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Journalist Akiva Novik fears a draft exemption law could harm reservists.
- The "Change Bloc" may negotiate a draft exemption law with Haredi parties.
- Avigdor Lieberman reportedly lifted his veto on joining a government with Haredi parties.
- The proposed law is based on a 2018 framework with lenient sanctions.
- Novik believes the move could undermine equal burden-sharing efforts.
Journalist Akiva Novik expressed concern on Thursday regarding reports that the "Change Bloc" might advance a draft exemption law as part of coalition negotiations for the next government. In a post on X, Novik voiced fears that such a move could harm reservists, stating he found it hard to believe it would happen. He questioned whether the "Change Bloc" would implement a "terrible maneuver for reservists" by pursuing a draft exemption law, especially after efforts towards equal burden-sharing, instead of revoking benefits for draft dodgers.
Novik's comments follow a report by Channel 12 commentator Amit Segal, indicating that Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman had removed his veto on joining a government with Haredi parties. This reportedly allows the "Change Bloc" to begin negotiations with United Torah Judaism.
According to the report, these negotiations are expected to center on a 2018 draft exemption law, which is considered more lenient towards the Haredi community than a proposal by Boaz Bismuth. Under this framework, sanctions on yeshivas would only be imposed after three years, and would not include personal sanctions against those evading conscription.
Novik focused on the potential implications for the principle of equal burden-sharing, contrasting the progress he believes has been made in this area with the possibility of the "Change Bloc" agreeing to an exemption law in coalition talks. He used a literary allusion to express his potential disappointment, comparing the situation to a need for profound self-reflection and a re-examination of foundational dialogues.