Ex-MK Illouz Warns Against Haredi Draft Exemption Law
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Former MK Dan Illouz strongly opposes any Haredi draft exemption law, calling it an existential necessity for Israel and a broken promise to voters. His stance challenges Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman's openness to compromise on the issue to avoid new elections. Illouz, who left the Likud over the draft law, vowed to fight it, even proposing a "Zionist unity government" as an alternative. United Torah Judaism Chairman Yaakov Asher welcomed the perceived flexibility on the draft issue.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Former MK Dan Illouz opposes Haredi draft exemption law, calling it an existential necessity.
- Illouz's stance challenges Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman's flexibility on the draft law.
- Illouz vowed to fight any draft exemption law, even if proposed by the 'change bloc'.
- Illouz suggested a "Zionist unity government" as an alternative to avoid new elections.
- United Torah Judaism Chairman Yaakov Asher welcomed perceived flexibility on the draft issue.
Former Member of Knesset Dan Illouz has sharply criticized the possibility of a "change bloc" government compromising on the Haredi draft exemption law, stating it is an existential necessity for Israel. Illouz, who left the Likud party three months ago over the draft law issue and is now ranked tenth on the Yisrael Beiteinu list, vowed to fight such legislation even if promoted by the "change bloc." He emphasized that reservists serve hundreds of days, the army needs fighters, and the economy cannot sustain the current burden, especially with significant security challenges.
Illouz's remarks come as Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman indicated a willingness to be flexible on the draft law to prevent further elections. Lieberman stated that national interest requires compromise on issues outside the three core boundaries he has set. Illouz acknowledged the desire to avoid new elections but insisted that a draft exemption law cannot be the price, calling it a "clear promise" made to voters before the election and the reason he switched parties.
Illouz recalled his previous fight in the 25th Knesset against the coalition's exemption law, which led to his removal from the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. He expressed hope to succeed again in opposing any such law, even as a private citizen.
As an alternative to new elections, Illouz proposed forming a "Zionist unity government" based on agreed-upon principles, which would address the war, draft Haredim, and implement significant economic reforms. He identified himself as not being "a bloc person" and prioritized the policies a government promotes.
Following Illouz's public criticism, Yisrael Beiteinu is not expected to use the "Norwegian law" to bring him into the current Knesset. Illouz resigned from the Knesset in August after joining Lieberman's party, with Shabtai Ketsh, the next Haredi representative on the Likud list, taking his place.
In related news, United Torah Judaism Chairman Yaakov Asher responded positively to the perceived flexibility from political players on the draft issue, stating that any proposal would be brought before "our great rabbis."
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