Lieberman Signals Compromise on Haredi Draft Law Amidst Political Maneuvering
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman has signaled a significant compromise on his party's core promise of a universal draft law for Haredi men, citing the need for "painful compromises" to form a stable government. This apparent shift has drawn criticism from commentator Amit Segal, who declared Rabbi Dov Lando the winner in the fight against Haredi conscription. Lieberman aims to prevent further elections and Netanyahu's return to power by forming a 61-member coalition, even if it means conceding on the draft issue.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Avigdor Lieberman signaled willingness to compromise on Haredi military draft, a key campaign promise.
- Commentator Amit Segal stated Rabbi Dov Lando "won" the battle against Haredi conscription.
- Lieberman aims to prevent further elections and Netanyahu's return to power.
- Yisrael Beiteinu previously vowed not to sit with Haredi or Arab parties.
- Lieberman opposes a minority government reliant on Arab parties' abstentions.
Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, has indicated a willingness to compromise on the contentious issue of military conscription for Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) men, a key campaign promise. In a lengthy post, Lieberman explained that the election results necessitate "painful compromises" and that flexibility is required on most issues, including the draft law. He stated that the national interest of Israel must supersede all other considerations.
Lieberman had previously vowed not to sit in a government with Haredi or Arab parties and had championed a universal draft law without exemptions. However, he now argues that forming a government without the need for further elections is paramount. He outlined three clear boundaries: ending the Netanyahu era, avoiding new elections, and not relying on the abstention of the Joint List or Ra'am. He reiterated his opposition to a minority government dependent on these parties' abstentions and stated Yisrael Beiteinu would vote against such a formation.
Channel 12 commentator Amit Segal reacted sharply to Lieberman's apparent shift, noting the removal of a Yisrael Beiteinu election banner emphasizing "100% for those who serve, 0% for draft dodgers." Segal asserted that Rabbi Dov Lando, a prominent Haredi leader who opposes the conscription of yeshiva students, had "won," implying that Haredi men would not be drafted. Segal's comments refer to Rabbi Lando's firm stance that yeshiva students' place is in Torah study and that they will not enlist, even if authorities disagree.
Lieberman's explanation for his flexibility centers on preventing a "third Temple destruction" scenario, which he associates with Netanyahu returning to power with a larger mandate after a potential minority government collapses. He believes the only viable strategy is to form a coalition of 61 Knesset members without the Joint List or Ra'am, potentially bringing in Likud members afterward, to establish a stable four-year government. This stance has reportedly put former MK Dan Illouz, who joined Yisrael Beiteinu due to his opposition to draft exemptions, in a difficult position.
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