Story perspectives

Rabbi Blasts Draft Bill as Unfair to Haredi Students

1/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

Rabbi Motke Blau of United Torah Judaism says the government's ultra-Orthodox conscription approach unfairly targets Haredi students and exaggerates the soldier shortage.
Deputy Attorney General Gil Limon condemns the government's failure to implement the High Court ruling mandating the drafting of yeshiva students, calling it a constitutional crisis.
Tensions rose in draft-bill discussions, with Shas leaders threatening to withhold budget support unless a draft-exemption law passes.

History

Historical Context

In 2017, Israel's High Court ruled against military draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students, aiming for equal service obligations. This decision sparked backlash from parties like Shas and United Torah Judaism, reflecting ongoing tensions between secular and religious interests. By June 2024, the Supreme Court declared continued exemptions unlawful, leading to the drafting of Haredi men and escalating protests against conscription.

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Story summary

Rabbi Motke Blau of United Torah Judaism says the government's ultra-Orthodox conscription approach unfairly targets Haredi students and exaggerates the soldier shortage.
Deputy Attorney General Gil Limon condemns the government's failure to implement the High Court ruling mandating the drafting of yeshiva students, calling it a constitutional crisis.
Tensions rose in draft-bill discussions, with Shas leaders threatening to withhold budget support unless a draft-exemption law passes.

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