Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch, a leading Lithuanian-haredi figure, has approved in principle the advancement of a Draft Law related to IDF conscription, signaling a willingness to cooperate with the legislative process despite remaining concerns. The move has garnered mixed reactions, with some opposition within the coalition and critics emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong IDF and Torah study continuity.
Yuli Edelstein urges haredi politicians to show responsibility and avoid toppling Israel's government over military draft exemptions, emphasizing national security and ongoing negotiations on draft law reforms amid coalition tensions and opposition from ultra-Orthodox factions.
A draft law has been submitted to the Russian parliament that would allow the military to recruit prisoners for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The law would release those who sign a contract with the Russian Defense Ministry or are drafted from criminal liability, even if they committed a crime before the law's enactment. The law is expected to exclude those convicted of violent crimes like murder or rape. The authors believe that bringing criminals to the front "will contribute to achieving the goals of punishment and provide additional opportunities for manning the army."
