Haredi Parties Demand Permanent Military Service Exemption Law Before Government Formation

Ahead of the upcoming government formation, Haredi parties in Israel are pushing for a permanent law exempting their community from military conscription. A senior Haredi official stated that this exemption law will be demanded even before the new government is established, emphasizing that the parties have learned to negotiate firmly with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The official also predicted that if Netanyahu secures 61 Knesset seats alongside the Haredi factions, he will likely agree to their conscription exemption demands.

In exchange for their support, the Haredi parties are prepared to back splitting the role of the government legal advisor and legislation aimed at weakening the media. They also expect progress on laws related to kosher certification and gender segregation. This political stance follows their recent satisfaction with achievements such as the approval of a law granting immunity to deserters before the Knesset dissolved.

The coalition negotiations have sparked controversy, particularly around the media weakening law. MK Shelly Tal Miron from the Yesh Atid party accused Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi of misleading the Haredi parties about the law’s implications. She warned that the new legislation would increase platforms on the IDF’s streaming service, lead to more Sabbath desecration, and allow broadcasts of pornography. Tal Miron criticized Karhi for prioritizing his primary election campaign over these concerns.

The Haredi parties’ firm demands and strategic support highlight their significant influence in the coalition talks and the legislative agenda expected to follow the elections.