Avigdor Lieberman Urges Knesset to Convene During Recess for Immediate Conscription Law

Avigdor Lieberman has called on coalition chairman MK Ofir Katz to convene the Knesset plenary session during the summer recess to pass a comprehensive conscription law. Lieberman’s demand follows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent statement opposing the temporary detention law and signaling a shift in his stance on the conscription of yeshiva students. Netanyahu reportedly said that the temporary detention law failed to reduce tensions or increase enlistment among the ultra-Orthodox, and that after the upcoming elections, a broad national government would enact a full conscription law requiring all who do not study Torah to serve in the military or face imprisonment.

Lieberman emphasized that if Netanyahu’s position is genuine and not a political maneuver due to Likud’s declining poll numbers, there is no justification to delay the law until after the elections. He stressed the urgent need for a law that meets the Israel Defense Forces’ requirements and upholds the principle of equal burden sharing. Lieberman noted that the government has the authority to convene the Knesset during recess, especially on urgent matters, citing the unprecedented strain on both reserve and regular soldiers as justification.

He pledged that if a universal conscription law is brought to a vote, all Zionist opposition factions would support it. Lieberman’s letter underscores the critical nature of the issue and calls for immediate legislative action to address military service equality in Israel.