Agudat Yisrael Demands "Override Clause" and Draft Exemption Pledge
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Agudat Yisrael has presented demands to the "Change Bloc" including an override clause and a pledge from 48 lawmakers to pass a draft exemption law for yeshiva students. The party is reportedly in contact with Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara regarding the legislation. This comes after Avigdor Lieberman removed his veto on Haredi parties joining a government, while Naftali Bennett proposed a bill prioritizing national service members.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Agudat Yisrael demands an override clause and draft exemption pledge from 48 lawmakers.
- The Haredi party seeks to exempt yeshiva students from military service.
- Discussions are reportedly underway with Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara.
- Avigdor Lieberman has dropped his veto on Haredi parties joining a government.
- Naftali Bennett proposed a bill prioritizing national service members.
Agudat Yisrael, a Haredi party, is demanding an "override clause" and a personal commitment from 48 lawmakers in the "Change Bloc" to legislate a law exempting yeshiva students from military service. The demands were outlined in a document that also suggests discussions with Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara regarding the broad draft exemption.
The Haredi rabbis, including prominent figures from Gur, Vizhnitz, and other Hasidic groups, met to discuss terms for joining a potential "Change Bloc" government. Their key demands include deferring military service for those whose primary occupation is Torah study, securing signatures for a draft exemption law, and enacting an override clause to circumvent potential Supreme Court challenges. The rabbis specifically prefer a specific override clause, similar to one enacted by the Rabin government regarding pork imports, over a general one or a new Basic Law.
The document reportedly indicates that the Haredi leadership is in contact with Attorney General Baharav-Miara, though she has allegedly kept the principles of the coordination vague. The Haredi side views her as a "minor difficulty" but notes her perceived lack of understanding regarding the coordination's scope.
This comes after Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, officially dropped his veto on Haredi parties joining a government, a significant shift from his previous stance. Lieberman stated that compromise is necessary, even on the sensitive issue of the draft law.
Meanwhile, Naftali Bennett, chairman of the Yamina party, presented a bill prioritizing national service members, emphasizing his commitment to those serving in the military.
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