Haredi Parties Set Terms for Joining Coalition, Demand Draft Exemption Law

Agudat Yisrael rabbis have formulated conditions for potentially joining the National Unity party bloc, centered on draft exemptions for Torah scholars and a commitment to pass a law exempting them from military service, along with an "override clause" to shield such legislation from judicial review. The rabbis convened at the home of a Slonim Hasidic Rebbe's son to discuss terms for possible negotiations with the bloc, led by Benny Gantz, regarding government formation, according to Channel 12 news.

The core demands include deferring military service for all whose "occupation is Torah," securing a signed pledge from 48 Knesset members to enact a draft exemption law, and establishing an override clause that would prevent the High Court of Justice (Bagatz) from striking down the law. The meeting included prominent figures from the Ashkenazi Hasidic leadership, such as a well-known Rebbe and representatives from the Gur and Vizhnitz Hasidic communities.

Channel 12 reported that the rabbis require all 48 Knesset members from the National Unity bloc, including Matan Kahana and Gilad Kariv, to sign an explicit commitment to legislate the draft exemption. The Haredi leadership emphasizes not only the content of the law but also its passage, noting a "perceptual interest" in its enactment.

A document obtained by Channel 12 details the Haredi conditions, including handwritten notes attributed to the Slonim Rebbe's son. It suggests exploring direct or indirect coordination with Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara regarding the broad draft exemption law, with the expectation that she would pre-approve the override clause. The document notes that the rabbis consider coordinating with the Attorney General the "smaller difficulty," as they believe it is possible to reach an agreement, though it claims she "leaves unclear on which principles the coordination applies, and what reservations still remain, it seems due to her lack of understanding."

The Haredi parties also seek to agree on general principles first, leaving specifics for later negotiations, including who will have the authority to amend the arrangement in the future and under what conditions. The document reiterates the demand for National Unity bloc members to agree to advance the legislation. If the law is invalidated by the High Court, a specific override clause is preferred over a general one or enacting a new Basic Law.

This development follows Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, announcing he is lifting his previous veto on sitting in a government with Haredi parties, a significant shift from his long-standing opposition.