UTJ Chair Uri Maklev Blames Galant and Edelstein for Draft Law Failure, Signals Political Shift
Uri Maklev, chairman of the United Torah Judaism (UTJ) faction and a key negotiator on the draft law, opened up about the behind-the-scenes failures in passing the military draft legislation during a detailed interview with Yishai Cohen on Kikar HaShabbat. Maklev accused former Defense Minister Yoav Galant and former Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairman Yuli Edelstein of misleading the ultra-Orthodox parties throughout the process by retracting agreements and presenting false information. He specifically denied claims that the ultra-Orthodox factions agreed to a 50% conscription target or immediate enlistment for those not studying Torah.
Maklev also rejected Justice Minister Yariv Levin's assertion that the judicial reform was prioritized over the draft law, stating that the government explained why the reform should precede the draft legislation. He emphasized that the ultra-Orthodox parties never consented to conscription quotas or immediate enlistment without first securing protections for Torah students.
Responding to a letter from Rabbi David Lando, Maklev announced a significant political shift: the UTJ will now act solely in its own interests and no longer consider itself a guaranteed part of the right-wing bloc, despite its preference for a right-wing government. He said, "We will do what is good for us," and noted that not all right-wing faction leaders are expected to sign onto the bloc.
Regarding the controversial Basic Law on Torah Study and the Detentions Law, Maklev explained that combining these laws could halt arrests of Torah students, and he anticipates they will receive majority support in the Knesset. He also touched on the economic and legal sanctions imposed on Torah learners, attributing the current crisis to a series of political reversals and failures to secure a government bill on the issue.
Maklev's comments highlight ongoing tensions within the Israeli political right and the ultra-Orthodox community's struggle to protect Torah study amid conscription pressures and legal reforms. The UTJ's stance signals potential shifts in coalition dynamics ahead of upcoming elections.
