In a letter sent on Thursday, 8 Iyar 5774 to chareidi MKs, Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon explains that anyone reporting to induction centers as required will not be compelled to serve against his will.
The minister less than two weeks ago met with leaders of chareidi parties in Knesset to hear their concerns. On Thursday, the minister met with members of the Shaked Committee.
The letter was sent by Defense Minister Bureau Chief Chaim Blumenthal, in Ya’alon’s name. The letter explains that induction into the IDF will be accomplished by dialogue and not a forced draft. No medical exams will be conduction by a physician on one’s first visit to an induction center. The minister hopes this will serve to increase the number of bnei yeshivos reporting. The letter promises separation from female soldiers and consideration towards permitting soldiers to continue conducting their chareidi life style.
However he adds that anyone not reporting to an induction center in response to a draft notice will indeed be drafted by force.
The chareidi MKs are expected to take the letters to their respective Moetzas Gedolei Yisrael for a ruling.
Copy of letter:
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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6 Responses
Seems very reasonable. One can only hope the Moeztis Gedolei will rule correctly and there will be reasom and respect for the law of the Land
Do they have any credibility left
Why should anyone believe him?
And the government will let all the Yeminite children keep their “simonim” (peyot), and will provide free religious education and food to all those families who cannot otherwise afford to do so. Oh yes, and no parent will ever have to enter, decades later, where their children are.
Why do they have to register if they will not have to serve? Just grant the deferment!
not worth the paper its written on
To the #2 through #5 commentators
Your skepticism of the government’s and army’s keeping its commitments is justified. However, don’t lump Moshe Yaalon in the above-mentioned cholent. He’s an honest person. His track record in this respect is sterling. Only that who says will have the power to enforce this promise? And who says he will be in the next government?