Israeli Government Secretary Blames Rabbi Lando for Last-Minute Halt of Draft Law

Yossi Fox, the Israeli government secretary, accused Rabbi Dov Lando, head of a yeshiva, of blocking the military draft legislation at the last moment after two years of work and 86 discussions. Speaking at a conference organized by the Gush Katif Heritage Center, Fox said the draft law aimed to increase enlistment rates among the ultra-Orthodox community by tightening existing regulations, including limiting exemptions to military service only and imposing personal sanctions affecting housing, public transportation, and daycare access.

Fox emphasized that this formula was the only viable solution and rejected any alternative proposals without clear targets or personal sanctions. He also warned that in the next government, ultra-Orthodox parties would not receive a blank slate to impose their demands.

In response, senior ultra-Orthodox officials accused Fox of inaccuracy, claiming that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was actually the one who halted the legislation. They said Netanyahu informed Likud members he lacked a majority to pass the draft law and accused Fox of dishonesty by blaming the ultra-Orthodox community. Rabbi Lando himself condemned the accusations, stating that Fox's comments were distorted and expressed hatred toward the ultra-Orthodox community.