While chareidi parties in Knesset are working to amend the draft bill, hoping a version acceptable to Gedolei Yisrael Shlita will pass in Knesset, Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, who chairs the Kulanu party, does not see a solution in sight.
Like the Yisrael Beitenu and Yesh Atid parties, which both backed the bill in its first reading, he remains opposed to the proposed changes and he is aware the draft bill may be the deal breaker that brings down the coalition. He feels a solution to this is unlikely, and he does not see the current administration completing its term in office.
The senior minister made his remarks during the Kalkalist Forum. During a subsequent interview, he was asked about the draft law. He explained “I surmise it will be difficult to overcome the crisis and therefore, elections will take place between January and March.”
He added that if the crisis surrounding the draft law is resolved, it will be possible to continue to the end of the coalition’s term, November 2019.
(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
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3 Responses
The solution is simple and obvious. Abolish the draft.
All they have to do is abolish conscription, as most western countries have done. Immediately there will be no draft dodgers, no draft resistance (neither from hiloni nor hareidim). The army will be able to reduce the make work jobs needed for persons who are drafted but unwilling or unable to fill combat roles. The army may haved to pay soldiers a living wage, and probably will want to have “frum” units as a feature to attract frum soldiers. Once they stop trying to draft yeshiva student, and stop trying to draft anti-zionists (frum as well as frei, all of whom are conscientious objectors), they will have less trouble drafting baal ha-basim looking for good jobs.
i agree with both of these comments. You can’t have a perpetual draft. Israel has not been invaded by another army in 45 years. You don’t need an army to fight terrorists. A volunteer army will produce plenty of people. Israel is obsessed with the military.