All articles tagged with #haredim
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.
Israel's government has approved a bill to extend mandatory military service for men in most IDF units from 32 to 36 months, despite legal and social concerns about inequality, particularly regarding exemptions for ultra-Orthodox (haredim). The law, which is temporary and will last five years, includes increased income and stipends for soldiers. The bill faces controversy and opposition, with critics arguing it fails to address the need for equal distribution of military service burdens.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that he would not support Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's conscription bill, which exempts the ultra-Orthodox from military service. Minister Benny Gantz also expressed opposition, declaring that his party would not be part of the emergency government if such legislation is passed.
Yitzhak Yosef, the Sephardic chief rabbi of Israel, stated that citizens would leave the country if forced to be drafted, sparking debates over military service exemptions for the Haredim. The Israeli Supreme Court struck down the law granting blanket exemptions for Haredi yeshiva students in 2017, leading to temporary measures to avoid drafting ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students. Lawmakers and opposition leaders have criticized Yosef's remarks, with some emphasizing the need for ultra-orthodox youth to enlist for Israel's security, while the Haredim community remains resistant to the draft.
Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef of Israel has threatened a mass exodus if Haredim are forced into military service, emphasizing the critical role of Torah study in Israel's success and survival. His remarks have sparked controversy and drawn responses from various religious and political figures, with some condemning the threat and emphasizing the importance of defending the nation through military service.