Israeli Political Bloc Considers Year-Long Draft Enforcement Freeze for Haredim
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
An Israeli political bloc is proposing a one-year freeze on military conscription enforcement and arrests for Haredi men to gain their support for a new government. This plan, aimed at securing United Torah Judaism's backing, would be followed by formulating a new conscription law. Haredi parties are wary of relying on promises, while the IDF opposes halting enforcement measures. Prime Minister Netanyahu is reportedly attempting to block the proposal.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- A political bloc is considering a one-year freeze on Haredi military conscription enforcement to form a new government.
- The proposed freeze aims to secure support from United Torah Judaism for the new government formation.
- Yaakov Asher outlined three key conditions for negotiations, including Haredi education funding and status.
- Avigdor Lieberman demands a conscription law acceptable to both rabbis and the Supreme Court.
- The IDF opposes halting draft enforcement, viewing arrests as essential for conscription.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu is reportedly working to block the proposal and warn Haredi parties.
A political bloc aiming to form a new Israeli government, led by Gadi Eisenkot and with the support of Avigdor Lieberman, is reportedly considering a proposal to offer Haredi parties a one-year freeze on the enforcement of military conscription and arrests of draft dodgers. This initiative aims to secure the support or abstention of United Torah Judaism in the formation of a new government, even though a conscription law cannot be enacted before the swearing-in ceremony.
Under the proposed plan, the freeze would be followed by the formulation of an agreed-upon conscription law, potentially based on an improved version of Lieberman's 2018 proposal. This approach is being discussed following a significant meeting between United Torah Judaism chairman Yaakov Asher and Avigdor Lieberman, who are seeking a mutually acceptable draft arrangement that could pass both rabbinical approval and judicial review.
Asher has outlined three core conditions for any negotiations: a conscription law and the arrangement of yeshiva students' status, funding for Haredi education without mandatory core curriculum studies, and the preservation of the status quo on religion and state matters. Lieberman, meanwhile, insists on a conscription law that satisfies both rabbinical leaders and the Supreme Court.
Haredi parties reportedly fear relying solely on promises, as the Supreme Court has previously ruled that the government cannot unilaterally freeze conscription enforcement. The IDF also opposes halting arrests, viewing them as essential for enforcing conscription.
Despite potential legal and military opposition, sources within the 'change bloc' believe Haredi parties have no better alternative and that a year of reprieve from enforcement would be a significant achievement. The assumption is that Arie Deri's Shas party will not be part of this government. If only United Torah Judaism cooperates, the government would require the abstention of Ra'am, a scenario Lieberman opposes.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly working to thwart this plan, warning United Torah Judaism that they won't be able to bring down the government if their demands aren't met after its formation, due to potential support from Arab parties. Separately, MKs Meir Porush and Elimlikh Shtark have submitted draft bills proposing a permanent deferral for yeshiva students until age 26 and a one-year arrest freeze, respectively.
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