Ultra-Orthodox and Secular Leaders Meet to Discuss Draft Law Compromise
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
United Torah Judaism Chairman Yaakov Asher and Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman met to discuss a compromise on the draft law, aiming for a solution acceptable to both religious authorities and the High Court. Asher had previously set conditions including the draft law and yeshiva student status, while Lieberman sought a law that would pass judicial review. The meeting occurs amidst broader political negotiations and follows recent legislative proposals concerning yeshiva students.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Yaakov Asher and Avigdor Lieberman met to find a compromise on the draft law acceptable to religious leaders and the High Court.
- Asher's conditions include the draft law, yeshiva student status, and Haredi education funding without core curriculum.
- Lieberman's proposal is considered more lenient for the Haredi public, with earlier exemption and lower conscription targets.
- Lieberman was appointed chairman of the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.
- Shas party reaffirmed its support for Benjamin Netanyahu and denied negotiations with other parties.
United Torah Judaism Chairman MK Yaakov Asher and Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman MK Avigdor Lieberman held their first significant meeting on Wednesday to discuss the sensitive draft law and explore a mutually agreeable framework. The discussion focused on finding a draft law that would satisfy both the Gerrer Rebbe, a prominent yeshiva head, and the High Court of Justice.
This meeting marks the first substantial encounter between the two lawmakers since the elections and suggests potential progress in negotiations between the Haredi parties and the "change bloc." The meeting occurs amid widespread reports of political maneuvering between these factions.
Asher had previously outlined three non-negotiable conditions for any talks: the draft law and the status of yeshiva students, funding for Haredi education without mandatory core curriculum studies, and maintaining the status quo on religion and state issues. Lieberman, conversely, has consistently demanded a draft law acceptable to both the Gerrer Rebbe and the High Court.
A comparative analysis of Lieberman's 2018 draft law proposal and the "Bismuth Law" from the previous Knesset reveals Lieberman's proposal to be more lenient towards the Haredi public, featuring an earlier exemption age (24 instead of 26), lower conscription targets, and no personal sanctions for yeshiva students.
In parallel political developments, the Knesset's Arrangements Committee decided on the composition of temporary committees, with Lieberman appointed as chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. Meanwhile, the Shas party issued a firm statement reaffirming its support for Benjamin Netanyahu and denying any ongoing negotiations with other parties, emphasizing its adherence to the Council of Torah Sages' directive to recommend Netanyahu for government formation.
Additionally, MK Meir Porush recently submitted two key legislative proposals aimed at regulating the legal status of yeshiva students. One proposal seeks to permanently anchor the status of students whose lives are dedicated to Torah study, with service deferment until age 26, while the second proposes a one-year freeze on arrests.
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