Netanyahu Addresses Ultra-Orthodox Demands on Military Enlistment Law
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed ultra-Orthodox demands to pass a military enlistment bill before forming the next government, as coalition uncertainty persists ahead of the upcoming elections.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed in a radio interview on Tuesday the demand raised by representatives of ultra-Orthodox parties to pass the military enlistment bill even before the swearing-in of the next government. Netanyahu did not commit that this would be possible, but clarified that from his perspective, this should be the goal.
"I wish we could do that," he said. "Can we do it before the formation of the government? Who knows. It depends on goodwill, understanding, and cooperation. I know that many in the ultra-Orthodox public understand that there needs to be a new burden-sharing arrangement." According to him, it is possible to reach an agreement that will preserve the world of Torah while simultaneously allowing for a broader enlistment of ultra-Orthodox individuals into the IDF. Netanyahu claimed that even today there are ultra-Orthodox individuals who enlist voluntarily, mentioning the Hasmonean Brigade and tailored service tracks for the ultra-Orthodox public.
Netanyahu linked the enlistment issue to arrests and measures taken against ultra-Orthodox individuals who do not enlist, claiming these could harm the process that has reportedly begun to develop by consensus. "I respect the world of Torah," he emphasized. However, he clarified that from his perspective, a distinction must be made between those whose Torah is their profession and those who do not study. "Those who study Torah will study Torah, but those who do not study will go and enlist," he said.
The remarks come against the backdrop of reports indicating that even if the right-wing bloc secures 61 mandates in the upcoming elections, Netanyahu may find himself without a coalition. Senior officials in the ultra-Orthodox parties have made it clear they will not enter coalition negotiations with any party before the enlistment law is approved by the Knesset in three readings. This demand, alongside the difficulty in gathering a majority for an agreed-upon law, raises concerns in the political arena that the elections could end in a political deadlock.
Netanyahu has argued in recent days that the right-wing bloc is on the razor's edge and internal data points to a tie between the blocs. He noted that high voter turnout in Likud and right-wing strongholds could grant his bloc the necessary majority. However, United Torah Judaism has rejected the assumption that ultra-Orthodox mandates automatically belong to Netanyahu.
"Netanyahu apparently has not understood the current situation. He does not have us, we are not in the bloc," said a senior official in United Torah Judaism. "Until there is an approved enlistment law in this country passed in three readings, the ultra-Orthodox parties will not open coalition negotiations with any bloc or any party." Another ultra-Orthodox official stated that as of now, there is also a decision not to recommend any candidate to the president for forming the government. Nevertheless, political assessments suggest that Shas will find it difficult to avoid recommending Netanyahu, while the picture in United Torah Judaism remains less clear as pressure mounts on politicians and rabbis.
