Secret Channel Operates Between Lieberman and Haredi Leaders on Conscription Law

A secret channel has been operating for months between Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, and senior figures in the Haredi community, including David Shapira and Moti Babchik, according to three sources. The discussions reportedly center on a compromise regarding the 2018 conscription law, which Degel HaTorah and Shas previously agreed to. The expectation is that Agudat Yisrael might also support the law with certain adjustments, potentially paving the way for Haredi parties to join a future government.

Lieberman has publicly stated the need for compromise on conscription, but the clandestine talks have been ongoing for an extended period. Shapira, described as a powerful figure in the home of Rabbi Landau and grandson of Rabbi Steinman, and Babchik, a senior figure in Agudat Yisrael and aide to MK Yitzchak Goldknopf, have been negotiating with Lieberman's team. Other individuals mentioned in connection with these talks include Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion and Lieberman's Haredi advisor, Avi Abuchatzira.

Lieberman has emphasized that any conscription law must pass Supreme Court scrutiny. He has denied reports of these secret talks, characterizing them as an "organized campaign" aimed at damaging him and preparing the ground for a minority government supported by "Hamas supporters." He believes such a government would be unstable and ultimately lead to Benjamin Netanyahu's return to power.

The Haredi parties are seeking exemptions from military service, while Lieberman may be positioning himself to secure their support for forming a government, possibly even aiming for the premiership. These negotiations are occurring concurrently with Lieberman's public campaign against draft dodgers, which has drawn criticism from the Haredi sector.

The proposed compromise is based on Lieberman's 2018 conscription law proposal, which was previously accepted by Degel HaTorah and Shas, with only Agudat Yisrael opposing it at the time. This proposal offers a lower exemption age of 24 (compared to 26 in the Bismuth bill), lower initial conscription targets (around 4,000 in the first year, including 650 in civilian service), and less stringent sanctions for non-compliance. Sanctions for yeshivas are tiered, activating when targets fall below 85% under Lieberman's plan, versus below 75% in the Bismuth bill. Lieberman's proposal notably lacks new individual sanctions for yeshiva students, unlike the Bismuth bill which included measures like driver's license denial and travel restrictions.