According to a report appearing in the daily Maariv, a behind-the-scenes deal has been made between Yesh Atid and Bayit Yehudi by which the dati leumi party will back the Yesh Atid’s demands for criminal sanctions for non-compliance in the new chareidi draft law. The report from Kol Berama Radio on Thursday morning 6 Adar I 5774 echoes the Maariv findings, that Naftali Bennett will agree to criminal sanctions if left without an alternative so as to prevent an implosion of the coalition.

Maariv reports that MKs Ofer Shelach (Yesh Atid), Ayelet Shaked (Bayit Yehudi), Elazar Stern (The Movement) and Amar Bar-Lev (Labor) met and decided collectively that bnei yeshivos who do not comply with the new draft law will be punishable until the penal code instead of just facing monetary sanctions. However the foursome has not agreed on the interim period, until criminal sanctions are in place, as to what measures will be taken against non-compliance.

Bayit Yehudi Chairwoman Ayelet Shaked denies the accuracy of the Maariv report, telling Kol Berama’s Mordechai Lavi that the report is simply incorrect and no agreement has been reached regarding criminal sanctions.

Yediot Achronot releases some of the details of the draft law that is expected to be voted upon in committee on Monday, 10 Adar I prior to being voted upon in Knesset. The report states the government will set annual induction goals for chareidim and if the goal is met for a particular year, criminal sanctions will not be taken against those who fail to comply. Yesh Atid is demanding a total draft of all the chareidim who are eligible, and criminal sanctions against each and every talmid who fails to report for service as required under the law.

The number of inductees set by the government will refer to talmidim ages 18-24. If the predetermined number of inductees has been met for a specific year, a chareidi aged 24 who has yet to serve will receive a deferment.

Every talmid yeshiva will required to report to the Bakum induction center at the age of 18 and declare his intentions, to serve immediately or continue learning. He may receive a deferment for one year and will be required to return each year until he turns 24, at which time he will be compelled to serve if the government’s induction goal has not be reached. The report adds the chareidim wanted a deferment until age 26, but had to settle for 24.

The Yediot report is in line with Shaked’s statements, that a final determination has yet to be made regarding criminal or economic sanctions.

The number of inductees set by the government will increase gradually, beginning with 3,800 in 2014 with 3,800 entering into the IDF and 1,500 into national service. In 2015, 4,500 chareidim will be inducted and in 2016, 5,200.

Yesh Atid has made its position clear, that it will not exhibit any flexibility regarding criminal sanctions and if need be, it will break away from the coalition and bring down the government.

Uri Ariel (Bayit Yehudi) was quick to point out that according to the coalition agreements signed between the parties, it says “use economic tools over criminal tools”, suggesting that in line with the Maariv report, if Yaakov Peri has signed approving criminal sanctions, he should leave the cabinet for his failure to comply with the signed agreements.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)