Transportation Minister Miri Regev Pledges Immediate Conscription Law After Elections

Israeli Transportation Minister Miri Regev announced on Tuesday on 103FM that if the Likud party wins the upcoming elections, they will promptly advance a conscription law upon returning to government. She described the Basic Law on Torah Study as a value-based law without incentives or sanctions, explaining that the absence of a conscription law led the Attorney General to rule that all ultra-Orthodox men, including Torah students, must enlist. Regev emphasized, "With God's help, we will return to government immediately after the elections, and there will be a conscription law."

Regev sharply criticized Yisrael party leader Gadi Eisenkot, questioning his suitability to lead the country. She expressed surprise at his recent statements, including his comments on allowing 150,000 Palestinian workers and his comparison of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to IDF veteran Yosef Hadad. Regev dismissed Eisenkot's rising poll numbers and claimed he cannot form a government without support from the Muslim Brotherhood and far-left factions. She also condemned the extreme Democratic list, citing members like Yair Golan and Gabi Leski for inflammatory remarks.

Addressing past claims that Prime Minister Netanyahu supports a Palestinian state, Regev called this misinformation and highlighted the right-wing government's efforts to strengthen settlements in Judea and Samaria. She accused Eisenkot, who served as IDF Chief of Staff, of halting infrastructure and military activities in the West Bank during coalition governments with Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid.

Regarding aviation, Regev confirmed that no flights will be canceled during July, August, and September despite potential regional escalations, stating the skies will remain open unless the conflict intensifies. Currently, three American refueling aircraft operate at Ben Gurion Airport, with any additional aircraft to be stationed at Air Force bases.

Separately, the Association for Civil Rights in Israel urgently appealed to election officials and government leaders, including Regev, to prevent any measures that could hinder Israeli citizens from returning to vote in the elections, ensuring their entry near election day.