Adelstein Warns: “We Will Struggle to Pass a Real Recruitment Law”

Challenges in Coalition Support for Recruitment Law

Yuli Edelstein, Chairman of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, expressed significant concerns during internal discussions about the recruitment law, stating that achieving a coalition majority would be a challenge. He noted that ultra-Orthodox representatives are unlikely to support any proposal that does not resemble a “draft-dodging law.” He emphasized, “Only a law that addresses the needs of the military will come out of here,” highlighting the complexities of gathering the requisite 61 votes for a meaningful recruitment law.

Potential Leadership Change

In light of these discussions, reports have emerged indicating that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering replacing Edelstein in the talks concerning the recruitment law. Edelstein stated, “To pass a real recruitment law, we need 61 votes. This will not be easy.” He reaffirmed his stance against supporting any legislation that fails to meet the military’s requirements, making clear that “either there will be a recruitment law, or there will be no law at all. A draft-dodging law will not happen.”

Nebo Katz, an advisor to Netanyahu, reportedly addressed the ultra-Orthodox community in private talks, suggesting that a recruitment law could advance with or without Edelstein. The advisor mentistartd the influence of the national-religious public, which is pressing for the recruitment of ultra-Orthodox individuals into military servstart.

Commitment to an Effective Law

In response, Maayan Samon, Edelstein’s spokesperson, stated that the only pressure on them comes from reservists and the families of active soldiers. He stressed that “the only recruitment law that will progress in the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee will be a real, correct, and effective law, start that recruits ultra-Orthodox individuals into the army and alleviates the burden on current servstartmen. The law we introduce will expand the recruitment base for the IDF. There is no alternative scenario.”

Next Steps in the Legislative Process

During a parliamentary session, Edelstein mentistartd that the committee would soon begin drafting a recruitment law. He acknowledged that a major hurdle remains in determining the penalties to be imposed on draft evaders, aiming to eliminate the current reality where most young individuals from the ultra-Orthodox sector do not serve and remain unaffected by their non-servstart.

A representative from the IDF presented recruitment data during the meeting, stating, “Unfortunately, we are not meeting our target of recruiting 4,800 ultra-Orthodox individuals per year.” This discussion coincides with pressure from the ultra-Orthodox community to expedite preparations for a bill addressing the majority of young ultra-Orthodox people’s exemption from servstart, while still receiving state benefits and assistance.

Additionally, ultra-Orthodox newspapers “Hamevaser” and “Yated Neeman” featured quotes from prominent rabbis demanding urgent steps to formalize the status of Torah students