Opponent of Draft Exemptions Praises Lieberman's Compromise Stance
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Eli Mairi, a leading activist for Haredi conscription, praised Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman for his willingness to compromise on the draft law during coalition talks. Lieberman indicated flexibility on the issue, which is a departure from previous stances. The potential compromise is based on a 2018 proposal by Lieberman. Mairi's support is significant given his past strong opposition to draft exemptions.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Haredi conscription activist Eli Mairi supports Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman's compromise on the draft law.
- Lieberman stated he is willing to compromise on the draft law in coalition negotiations with Haredi parties.
- Mairi previously strongly opposed draft exemptions and advocated for Haredi conscription and sanctions.
- The potential compromise is based on a 2018 draft law proposed by Lieberman.
- No coalition agreement has yet been reached with the Haredi parties.
Eli Mairi, a Lieutenant Colonel (res.) and co-founder of the 'El Hadegel' movement, who has been a prominent activist for the conscription of Haredim, has expressed support for Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu. This comes after Lieberman stated his willingness to compromise on the draft law as part of coalition negotiations with the Haredi parties. Mairi wrote, "Well done on the principled and leadership decision, I am with you," in response to the announcement.
Mairi's endorsement is notable given his past strong opposition to draft exemptions. In May 2025, he criticized the government for prioritizing Haredim over the state and argued that reservists' efforts had prevented the advancement of a law he believed would grant broad exemptions. He advocated for increased Haredi conscription and personal sanctions for those evading service, emphasizing that no population group should be exempt while reservists are repeatedly called up. He urged legislation for broad conscription, not political appeasement.
Lieberman himself indicated a shift, stating in a message on Friday that "on all other issues, it is permissible and desirable to be flexible and compromise and understand that you cannot grasp too much. This includes the issue of the draft law." The potential basis for agreement being examined is a draft law Lieberman promoted in 2018, which included financial sanctions on educational institutions for failing to meet targets but not personal sanctions on yeshiva students.
Mairi did not specify if his support extended to the specific draft law being considered or the negotiation process itself. No coalition agreement has yet been reached with the Haredi parties.
