Defense Minister (Yisrael Beitenu) Avigdor Liberman on Monday afternoon addressed discussions in the special committee regarding proposed changes to the draft law, which passed its first reading in Knesset. The committee is charged with preparing the bill for its second and third readings. Liberman was crystal clear, that even “the slightest change” will not be tolerated, sending a threatening message to the chareidi parties, who plan to implement change during the committee discussion.

The senior minister made his remarks at the opening of a Yisrael Beitenu faction meeting in Knesset. “I think that if it is possible and necessary to add, it is to benefit those people who did their duty and served full service in the IDF,” Lieberman explained.

Lieberman envisions a free bachelor’s degree for soldiers who complete full service. He insists this too will be part of the legislation. He explains any soldier who completes full service will be able to cash in on this benefit towards showing the state’s appreciation for one’s service.

Earlier, MK (Yahadut Hatorah) Uri Maklev expressed opposition to economic sanctions contained in the bill. The chareidim are divided as how to address the bill, with Deputy Minister Yaakov Litzman, of the chassidish faction of Degel Hatorah, repeatedly announcing if the bill is passed as is, he and his colleagues will leave the coalition.

The Degel Hatorah litvish faction of the party has yet to make any such declaration, keeping its cards hidden as the MKs work to amend the draft law.

Lieberman stated last week the bill is the result of consultations including IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-General Gadi Eizenkott and other senior officials, and it will not be changed by the chareidim.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is working to have the bill passed into law by the end of the current Knesset summer session. He faces the High Court of Justice deadline for a new draft law as the court disqualified the old law and instructed the government to legislate a new one by summer’s end.

Some also opine that this bill, with the economic sanctions, may be the best possible deal, pointing out if the matter is brought before the High Court, the matter may be disastrous for the chareidim. In addition, leaving the coalition and forcing new elections is likely to result in a less chareidi-friendly coalition, and this too may result in a less favorable draft law for the chareidim.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)