Ultra-Orthodox Parties Demand Draft Freeze, Legal Immunity for Support
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Ultra-Orthodox parties are demanding a 12-18 month freeze on mandatory military conscription and the cancellation of related sanctions in exchange for supporting the government. They also seek legal assurances from the Attorney General. Opposition figures Gadi Eisenkot and Avigdor Lieberman are reportedly engaged in discussions with these parties regarding their demands.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ultra-Orthodox parties demand a 12-18 month freeze on military conscription.
- They also seek cancellation of arrests and economic sanctions for draft evasion.
- Legal assurances from the Attorney General are part of the demands.
- These demands are linked to their support for the current government.
- Gadi Eisenkot and Avigdor Lieberman are involved in talks with the parties.
Ultra-Orthodox parties are demanding a one-year to 18-month freeze on mandatory military conscription, along with the cancellation of arrests and economic sanctions related to draft evasion, in exchange for their support of the government. They are also seeking legal assurances, referred to as 'pre-ruling,' from the Attorney General regarding these demands.
These requests were reportedly discussed in political-security talks. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the parties are seeking to solidify the status quo for yeshiva students, who are currently exempt from military service under specific conditions, and to prevent any legal challenges that could alter this arrangement.
The demands come as the government seeks to solidify its coalition. The ultra-Orthodox parties, represented by United Torah Judaism and Shas, hold significant leverage in the current political climate. Their support is crucial for maintaining a stable majority in the Knesset.
Meanwhile, opposition figures like Gadi Eisenkot and Avigdor Lieberman have reportedly agreed to exhaust contacts with the ultra-Orthodox parties. The specifics of their discussions and potential compromises remain unclear, but the focus is on navigating the complex political landscape and addressing the demands of the religious factions.
