United Torah Judaism Sets Conditions for Government Coalition
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
United Torah Judaism (UTJ) has presented its conditions for joining a "change bloc" government, demanding a halt to yeshiva student arrests and a commitment to pass a new conscription law. The party seeks a temporary order to stop arrests before the government is sworn in, followed by a permanent law approved by their leadership and the bloc's heads. This law would apply to both Haredi and secular draft dodgers. UTJ is also seeking personal guarantees from coalition members regarding the draft exemption law and an override clause for the Supreme Court.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- United Torah Judaism demands a halt to yeshiva student arrests before government formation.
- The party requires a commitment to pass a new conscription law before the first budget.
- The proposed conscription law would apply to both Haredi and secular draft dodgers.
- Rabbi Landau and change bloc leaders must approve the final draft of the conscription law.
- UTJ previously demanded personal signatures from coalition members on draft exemption guarantees.
United Torah Judaism (UTJ) is demanding specific legislative actions regarding military conscription and the arrest of yeshiva students as conditions for joining a "change bloc" government. The party seeks a temporary order to halt arrests of yeshiva students before the government is sworn in, followed by a commitment to pass a mutually agreed-upon conscription law before the first state budget is approved.
The proposed interim arrangement would last approximately three months, during which the permanent conscription law would be enacted. This law would apply to both Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) yeshiva students and secular draft dodgers. UTJ believes this temporary measure, coupled with the future conscription law, will not face significant opposition from the IDF or legal advisors.
UTJ also requires that the final draft of the conscription law be approved by Rabbi Landau and the leaders of the change bloc. They must then commit to passing it in its second and third readings before the new government's first budget is ratified. This ensures both the content of the law and its timeline are predetermined.
These demands build upon previous requirements, including personal signatures from all 48 members of the change bloc on a commitment to a draft exemption law and an override clause for potential Supreme Court disqualification. Secret negotiations are reportedly underway, with UTJ Chairman Yaakov Asher and National Unity Chairman Gadi Eisenkot having met recently to discuss these matters.
Both Asher and Eisenkot are attempting to maintain a low profile regarding the talks. Asher aims to avoid pressure from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while Eisenkot is concerned about public backlash if the negotiations fail to yield an agreement. UTJ is aware of the risk of joining a government before the law is finalized, as they might not have the necessary majority to oppose the government or influence budget decisions afterward.
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