Ultra-Orthodox Demand Guarantees on Draft Exemption Ahead of Coalition Talks
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Senior ultra-Orthodox figures reportedly met to demand personal commitments from the "Change Bloc" for draft exemption and an override clause for potential High Court challenges. The group acknowledged the risk of the law being disqualified by the High Court but stressed its symbolic importance. Representatives from Gur and Vizhnitz denied attending such a meeting, stating their party is working together to resolve the issue.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ultra-Orthodox leaders reportedly demanded personal commitments for draft exemption from the "Change Bloc."
- They also requested an override clause to counter potential High Court disqualification of draft exemption laws.
- The meeting reportedly acknowledged the risk of the High Court striking down the draft exemption law.
- Representatives from Gur and Vizhnitz denied participating in any meeting on the draft law.
- The ultra-Orthodox parties are reportedly working together to resolve the yeshiva students' status.
Senior figures from Hasidic communities, including representatives from Gur and Vizhnitz, reportedly met this week to formulate their demands for coalition negotiations with the "Change Bloc" parties. The meeting, held at the home of the Slonim Rebbe's son, aimed to secure guarantees regarding the military draft exemption for yeshiva students.
According to a report by Amit Segal, the gathered leaders are seeking personal commitments from all 48 members of the "Change Bloc" to support draft exemption. Additionally, they are demanding a "override clause" that would allow the Knesset to re-pass the draft exemption law if it is disqualified by the High Court of Justice (Bagatz).
The participants acknowledged the possibility of the law being struck down by the High Court but emphasized the symbolic importance of its passage. They stressed that in such an event, all "Change Bloc" members should support the override clause.
Reports suggest that initial contacts have been made with the Attorney General regarding the draft issue, but no clear agreements have been reached on halting arrests or other related matters.
However, MK Yitzhak Goldknopf of Gur and Rabbi Yaakov Tessler of Vizhnitz issued a statement denying knowledge of any meeting discussing the draft law and stating that no representatives from their parties attended such discussions. They affirmed that United Torah Judaism is working collaboratively to resolve the status of yeshiva students, following the guidance of senior rabbis.
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