Secret Channel Between Lieberman and Haredi Leaders Revealed
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
A secret channel has been operating for months between Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman and senior Yahadut HaTorah officials, including David Shapira and Moti Babchik. The discussions focus on a potential compromise regarding the 2018 conscription law, which previously gained support from Degel HaTorah and Shas. Lieberman has stated that any law must pass Supreme Court scrutiny, while denying reports of the secret channel as a political attack. The proposed law includes a lower exemption age and reduced conscription targets, with adjustments aimed at securing Agudat Yisrael's support.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- A secret channel has been operating for months between Avigdor Lieberman and senior Haredi officials.
- The discussions focus on a compromise based on the 2018 conscription law.
- Senior Haredi figures David Shapira and Moti Babchik are involved in the talks.
- Lieberman stated any conscription law must pass Supreme Court scrutiny.
- Lieberman denied the reports, calling them a political campaign against him.
- The 2018 law offers a lower exemption age and reduced conscription targets.
A secret channel has been operating for months between Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, and senior figures in the Haredi political party Yahadut HaTorah, according to three sources. Senior Haredi officials, including David Shapira and Moti Babchik, have been in contact with Lieberman's team. The basis for potential compromise is the 2018 conscription law, which Degel HaTorah and Shas previously agreed to. It is estimated that with certain adjustments, Agudat Yisrael will also support this law.
Lieberman recently stated the need for compromise on the conscription issue. However, the report reveals that these covert negotiations have been ongoing for several months. Shapira and Babchik, described as influential figures within Yahadut HaTorah and Agudat Yisrael respectively, have been involved in discussions with Lieberman's staff. Lieberman has emphasized that any conscription law must first pass Supreme Court scrutiny.
In response to the report, which Shapira and Babchik denied, Lieberman characterized it as an "organized and coordinated campaign" aimed at damaging him and paving the way for a minority government supported by "Hamas supporters." He predicted 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 is reportedly positioning himself for a scenario where the "change bloc" might need their support to form a government, potentially even aiming for the premiership himself. These discussions are occurring concurrently with Lieberman's public campaign against draft dodgers and amid Haredi complaints of incitement against them.
The proposed compromise centers on Lieberman's 2018 conscription law, which he is now advocating for with modifications. This law was previously accepted by Degel HaTorah and Shas, with only Agudat Yisrael opposing it at the time. The current proposal is seen as more lenient than other recent conscription bills, offering a lower exemption age (24), reduced conscription targets, and fewer individual sanctions compared to the Bisamut law. Adjustments are expected to gain Agudat Yisrael's support, potentially clearing a path for Haredi parties to join a future government.
Mentioned
