Ultra-Orthodox and Lieberman Negotiate Draft Exemption Law

Negotiations between the ultra-Orthodox parties and Avigdor Lieberman are likened to a delicate matchmaking process, currently in the stage of exploring practicalities before a formal commitment. Both sides have expressed a desire to proceed, with the ultra-Orthodox parties viewing the potential to secure the premiership as their primary offering. In return, they expect Lieberman to deliver a draft exemption law that would end conscription arrests and sanctions for yeshiva students.

The ultra-Orthodox, particularly those aligned with Agudat Yisrael and Rabbi Landau, understand the dynamics of power in negotiations. They believe that all ultra-Orthodox Knesset members would join a government that guarantees a draft exemption law, even without Benjamin Netanyahu. A senior figure in Agudat Yisrael stated that no rabbi on the Council of Torah Sages would oppose joining such a government, as both Rabbi Landau and the Grand Rabbi of Gur agree on the necessity of a draft exemption law. However, it remains uncertain if Lieberman can craft a law acceptable to both the rabbis and the Supreme Court, let alone the secular parties.

Currently, the ultra-Orthodox are perceived as weak in constructing a narrative for the negotiations, expecting Lieberman to unilaterally provide a draft exemption law that restores the status quo. This approach mirrors their past strategy with Netanyahu, which proved unsuccessful due to political and legal constraints. The article suggests that the only viable path forward, satisfying both the Supreme Court and Israeli society, is to shift the focus from draft exemption to a "new contract" between the ultra-Orthodox and Israeli society, emphasizing economic integration.

This new contract, as previously articulated by Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit, would prioritize the integration of ultra-Orthodox men into the civilian workforce. This would require the ultra-Orthodox to demonstrate a genuine commitment to economic integration, potentially by relinquishing certain financial benefits that disincentivize employment. Changes to yeshiva funding, linking budgets to achievements rather than encouraging prolonged study outside the workforce, are also proposed. Such reforms should be accompanied by government investment in state-supervised vocational training programs with rabbinical endorsement.

Furthermore, the ultra-Orthodox may need to show openness to educational reforms, such as stronger oversight of ultra-Orthodox networks that claim to teach core subjects, and ensuring access to the state-religious ultra-Orthodox stream. Regarding military service, while a lenient draft law might be granted, the ultra-Orthodox would need to cease opposing modern ultra-Orthodox movements that combine military service with Torah study, and possibly even support those who choose to enlist. These concessions, though difficult, are presented as the only way for the ultra-Orthodox to remain in government and resolve the draft issue by offering an alternative narrative centered on economic and social integration.