Coalition Talks Focus on Haredi Draft Deferral, Arrest Freeze
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS Arabic by baba
Coalition talks are focusing on a one-year deferral of the Haredi conscription issue, including a freeze on arrests and financial aid, while a new law is drafted. Avigdor Lieberman is leading negotiations with Haredi parties, with legal avenues and alternative service options being explored. Naftali Bennett remains silent, while Yair Golan calls for compromise. The upcoming Knesset Speaker election and committee meetings are also part of the ongoing political maneuvering.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Coalition talks aim to defer Haredi conscription for one year, freeze arrests, and draft a new law.
- Avigdor Lieberman is leading negotiations with Haredi parties on the sensitive draft issue.
- Legal experts believe the Supreme Court might allow a time-bound deferral of the Haredi draft.
- Alternative proposals include counting civilian service or adhering to exemption limits.
- Matan Kahana is expected to be elected Knesset Speaker next Tuesday amid ongoing talks.
- The Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee will convene next week to discuss security oversight.
Coalition negotiations are underway to find a compromise on the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) conscription issue, aiming to defer a final decision for one year. During this period, financial resources would be transferred to Haredi communities, arrests related to draft evasion would be halted, and a new conscription law would be drafted. Avigdor Lieberman is leading these talks with the Haredi parties after Gadi Eisenkot tasked him with continuing the dialogue. However, some sources within Eisenkot's camp suggest Lieberman has "burned his bridges" regarding past promises to the Haredi community.
The legal implications of this approach are also being examined. Some legal experts believe the Supreme Court might permit a new government to pursue a consensual law, provided the deferral is time-bound. Alternative proposals include counting Haredi civilian service as fulfilling their military obligation, or adhering to a specific exemption limit, though these ideas face internal opposition.
Meanwhile, Naftali Bennett has maintained silence on the matter, a stance viewed positively by some. Yair Golan has publicly advocated for a compromise. Sources indicate that Lieberman, who reportedly still harbors ambitions for the premiership, might eventually accept a deal involving the United Arab List if negotiations with the Haredi parties fail.
On the parliamentary front, Matan Kahana is expected to be elected the new Knesset Speaker next Tuesday. The potential abstention of Haredi parties from this vote could signal ongoing negotiations. Additionally, the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee is scheduled to convene next week. Coalition officials plan to reframe it as a "supervision" committee, with Lieberman intending to summon security leaders to emphasize that political warfare will not impede security operations. Associates of Netanyahu are reportedly considering a proactive meeting with Lieberman to allow for "quality time" for discussions.
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