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Netanyahu Appoints Deputy Minister to Counter Ultra-Orthodox Opposition

1/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed MK Israel Eichler of United Torah Judaism as Deputy Minister of Communications.
The appointment allows MK Yitzhak Pindrus to return to the Knesset.
The move aims to weaken the ultra-Orthodox opposition to the conscription exemption law.
Netanyahu's officials have recently reached out to Agudat Yisrael representatives from the Belz Hasidic sect to bolster the moderate faction.

History

Historical Context

In 2014, Israel's Knesset passed a law aimed at conscripting ultra-Orthodox Jews, challenging their long-standing exemptions established by the Tal Law of 2002. This sparked significant protests, with hundreds of thousands opposing the draft. In June 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that Haredi Jews must serve, marking a pivotal shift in military service obligations and impacting Israel's socio-political landscape.

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Story summary

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed MK Israel Eichler of United Torah Judaism as Deputy Minister of Communications.
The appointment allows MK Yitzhak Pindrus to return to the Knesset.
The move aims to weaken the ultra-Orthodox opposition to the conscription exemption law.
Netanyahu's officials have recently reached out to Agudat Yisrael representatives from the Belz Hasidic sect to bolster the moderate faction.

1 / 2