Lieberman Signals Compromise on Haredi Draft Exemption

Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, has indicated a willingness to compromise on his party's central campaign promise to enforce universal military conscription without exemptions for the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community. In a lengthy post, Lieberman explained that the election results necessitate "painful compromises" on various issues, including the draft law, to prevent a "third destruction of the Temple" and avoid further elections.

Lieberman stated his opposition to forming a minority government reliant on the abstention of the Joint List and Ra'am parties, advocating instead for a coalition of 61 Knesset members without Benjamin Netanyahu. He believes this strategy is the only way to establish a stable government for the next four years and prevent Netanyahu's return with a larger mandate.

News 12 commentator Amit Segal reacted to Lieberman's shift, noting the removal of a large Yisrael Beiteinu campaign banner emphasizing "100% for those who serve, 0% for draft dodgers." Segal asserted that Rabbi Dov Lando, a prominent Haredi leader who opposes the draft of yeshiva students, has effectively "won" due to Lieberman's apparent concession.

Lieberman's stance on the draft has been a cornerstone of his party's platform, with him previously stating in August that he would not agree to even one exemption. This apparent reversal has placed former Knesset member Dan Illouz, who joined Yisrael Beiteinu due to his opposition to draft exemptions, in a complex position.

The article also touches on Lieberman's past warnings about political developments, including his accurate predictions about the Gaza envelope and the "big party" campaign impacting the "change bloc" in previous elections. He argues that political maneuvering requires looking several steps ahead, citing the collapse of the previous "change government" after just over a year.