Israeli Minister Benny Gantz has stated that his National Unity Party would withdraw from the government if it moves forward with passing a Charedi conscription law, as proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“The people will not tolerate it, the Knesset will not be able to vote in favour of it, and my associates and I cannot be part of this emergency government if this law passes,” said Gantz, a member of Israel’s War Cabinet. “Passing such a law would be crossing a red line during normal times.”
Addressing the leaders of ultra-Orthodox factions, Gantz emphasised his appreciation for Torah study and Israel’s cultural heritage. However, he urged against pushing through a law that would alienate the entire nation.
Netanyahu has indicated his intention to bring the bill to a vote in the Knesset on Tuesday, though the legislative process may stretch over several months.
Previously governed by a law that expired in June, Charedi men of conscription age enrolled in yeshivas could secure repeated one-year deferrals until reaching exemption age, effectively exempting them from military service.
The reluctance of Haredi leaders to endorse military service, viewing it as a potential corrupting influence and diversion from Torah study, has led to significant societal tension. In 2021, 87% of Charedi 18-year-olds refrained from enlistment, in stark contrast to 86% of their non-Charedi Jewish counterparts.
The aftermath of the October 7 tragedy and ensuing conflict has intensified the issue, prompting widespread demands to abolish the blanket exemption for Charedim from IDF service.
With the temporary extension of the exemption law set to expire next week, Charedim could face draft requirements starting in early April if a new bill isn’t passed.
According to details, the proposed legislation would extend Charedi men’s exemption until the age of 35, up from the current age of 26. The draft bill doesn’t specify quotas for Charedi enlistment, and the IDF wouldn’t begin integration efforts until June 16, the court-imposed deadline for new enlistment legislation.
Specialised military units, accommodating the religious sensitivities of Haredi men and excluding female soldiers, are slated to be operational by August 2024, coinciding with the expected influx of new Haredi conscripts.
Before Gantz’s announcement, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, currently in the United States, had also voiced opposition to the coalition bill.
In late February, Gallant stipulated that he would support a Charedi conscription law only if all coalition members did likewise. This stance drew criticism from fellow coalition members, who perceived it as granting undue influence to Gantz, who, while a member of the wartime government, opposed Netanyahu’s leadership.
