Israeli Political Bloc Considers Halting Draft Enforcement for Haredim
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
The "Change Bloc," led by Gadi Eisenkot, is proposing to freeze Haredi conscription enforcement and draft dodger arrests for up to a year to gain support from the United Torah Judaism party. This plan faces significant political and legal challenges, including potential High Court opposition and the IDF's previous objections to freezing arrests. Prime Minister Netanyahu is reportedly trying to dissuade UTJ from joining Eisenkot's bloc. The bloc also faces uncertainty regarding Avigdor Lieberman's support if the Shas party does not join the government.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- The "Change Bloc" proposes freezing Haredi conscription enforcement for up to one year to secure UTJ support.
- A year-long freeze on draft dodger arrests and conscription enforcement is being considered.
- The proposal faces legal challenges from the High Court of Justice and political hurdles.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu is reportedly pressuring UTJ Chairman Yaakov Asher against joining Eisenkot's bloc.
- Avigdor Lieberman's support is uncertain if the Shas party does not join the potential government.
The "Change Bloc," led by Gadi Eisenkot, is reportedly considering a proposal to present to the Haredi party United Torah Judaism (UTJ) aimed at securing their support for forming a new government. Following the removal of Avigdor Lieberman's veto, the bloc's focus is on bridging the gap with the Haredi community, particularly concerning the sensitive issue of military conscription.
The proposed solution involves a commitment to freeze the enforcement of conscription and arrests of draft dodgers for up to one year after the government's establishment. During this period, a mutually agreeable conscription law would be formulated, building upon a previous proposal from 2018. This approach mirrors a temporary freeze implemented by the outgoing government in June 2023, which expired in March 2024.
Significant political and legal challenges lie ahead. Politically, the Haredi parties must trust that such an agreement will be honored, especially given potential opposition from the Attorney General and the High Court of Justice (Bagatz). Some within the "Change Bloc" believe the Haredim may be willing to trust Eisenkot over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, seeing no better alternative for advancing their conscription agenda.
Legally, a previous High Court ruling stated that the outgoing government lacked the constitutional authority to halt draft enforcement, even while a new law was being drafted. Therefore, any new government decision to freeze enforcement could face judicial review. Additionally, a proposal to freeze arrests for draft evasion alone faces hurdles, as the IDF previously opposed such a measure, arguing it undermines their ability to enforce the Security Service Law.
Despite these obstacles, a year-long freeze on conscription enforcement could be a significant achievement for UTJ Chairman Yaakov Asher. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Netanyahu is reportedly pressuring Asher, suggesting that aligning with Eisenkot might limit his ability to later challenge the government if his demands are not met, especially if the new government relies on support from Arab parties.
The "Change Bloc" also faces the dilemma of Lieberman's stance if the Shas party, led by Arie Deri, refuses to join a government. Lieberman has stated he will not support a government reliant on the Ra'am party, despite his primary goal of ending Netanyahu's tenure. The bloc may need UTJ's support and Ra'am's abstention to form a government.
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