Yair Golan Offers Partnership to Ultra-Orthodox on Condition of Reforms

By חדשות סרוגים

Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba

Religious-rightNeutral tone

Hebrew · 4 newsrooms covering

Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats, expressed willingness to partner with the ultra-Orthodox public but demanded reforms on conscription, employment, and Shabbat. He contrasted his approach with Benjamin Netanyahu's, stating his party seeks partnership based on mutual responsibility. Golan emphasized the need for the ultra-Orthodox to serve in the military and integrate into the workforce, while also advocating for public activities and transportation on Shabbat in their municipalities. He extended an offer for a "government of change" contingent on readiness for reforms.

The story in 6 lines · by baba

Yair Golan's Democrats party seeks partnership with the ultra-Orthodox public.
Golan demands reforms on conscription, employment, and Shabbat from potential partners.
He contrasted his approach with Benjamin Netanyahu's, seeking compromise in central Israel.
Golan stressed the need for ultra-Orthodox military service and workforce integration.
He advocated for public activities and transportation on Shabbat in municipalities.
Golan offered to form a "government of change" requiring partners to accept reforms.

Yair Golan Offers Partnership to Ultra-Orthodox on Condition of Reforms — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats party and a retired general, announced on Saturday evening that his party is open to forming a partnership with the ultra-Orthodox public. However, he stipulated that such a partnership requires mutual responsibility and agreement on key issues, including military conscription, employment, and Shabbat observance.

Golan stated, "We want a partnership with the ultra-Orthodox public, but a true partnership requires mutual responsibility." He contrasted his party's approach with that of Benjamin Netanyahu, saying, "Unlike Netanyahu, we will not go as far as Bnei Brak or Mea Shearim. Whoever wants a partnership with us will have to meet us in Ramat Gan."

The Democratic leader linked the demand for ultra-Orthodox conscription to broader integration into the workforce, emphasizing the need to equip all children with the skills for future employment. "Ultra-Orthodox must be drafted. And employment integration must be expanded, ensuring every child in Israel receives the tools to earn a dignified living. The middle class cannot continue to bear the economic and security burden alone," Golan asserted.

Regarding Shabbat, Golan indicated that while his party respects the ultra-Orthodox lifestyle, it expects reciprocal respect for the lifestyles of those it represents. "In our municipalities, it should be possible to go out on Shabbat, drink coffee, and, God forbid, even travel by public transport," he added.

Golan concluded by extending an offer to potential partners in a "government of change," stressing that his party is not offering a blank check and requires a willingness to implement changes. "We are extending a hand out of a genuine desire to establish a government of change. We are not giving a blank check under any circumstances. Whoever wants to work with us will have to be ready for changes."