Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef Pledges to Resolve Yeshiva Students' Draft Status After Elections

Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, the Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel, addressed the first election conference of the Shas party on Thursday evening, emphasizing the need to resolve the legal status of yeshiva students regarding military conscription after the upcoming elections. Speaking to hundreds of party representatives nationwide, he acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, "After the elections, we will face struggles, it will be very difficult, and we must regulate the status of yeshiva students." He recalled the dedication of previous religious leaders who sacrificed much for the protection of yeshiva students and stressed the importance of political strength to achieve this goal.

Rabbi Yosef criticized other political parties for making declarations on issues like civil marriage and public transportation on Shabbat, calling such discussions "nonsense" and underscoring the necessity for Shas to maintain power. He also expressed love and respect for all Israelis, including soldiers, and shared that during the recent war, he requested visits to military bases across air, sea, and land to bless the soldiers, describing the experience as moving.

The Chief Rabbi's remarks highlight Shas's commitment to defending the interests of the religious community, particularly concerning the controversial issue of yeshiva students' exemption from military service, which remains a contentious topic in Israeli society and politics. The party aims to prioritize this matter once the elections conclude, signaling ongoing political battles ahead.