Liberman Urges Immediate Conscription Law Amid IDF Strain, Netanyahu Promises Post-Election Action

Avigdor Liberman, leader of Yisrael Beiteinu, has called on the coalition chairman to immediately convene the Knesset and pass a full conscription law without waiting for the upcoming elections. He cited the unprecedented burden on both regular and reserve IDF soldiers and emphasized the urgent need for a law that ensures equal military service obligations for all Israeli citizens. Liberman stressed that the government has the authority to convene the Knesset even during the summer recess, especially on critical issues like this, and pledged that all Zionist opposition factions would support such legislation if brought to a vote.

Merav Ben Ari also joined the call, urging the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee to meet during the recess to advance the conscription bill. She assured full backing from her faction to expedite the process without delay.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by stating that previous attempts to pass such a law had failed and that no such law would be enacted by the current government. He promised that after the elections, a broad national government would be formed to immediately pass a comprehensive conscription law addressing the IDF’s needs. Netanyahu reiterated his stance that those who do not study Torah must serve in the military or face imprisonment.

The debate centers on the controversial issue of drafting yeshiva students and expanding military service to all sectors, reflecting ongoing tensions over equal burden-sharing in Israeli society. The political dispute unfolds amid declining Likud poll numbers and heightened public concern over IDF manpower shortages.