Gafni Criticizes Religious Zionist Party Over Opposition to Draft Law
Tensions Rise Within Coalition Over Recruitment Legislation
In a recent interview with Yated Ne’eman, a publication representing the Lithuanian Haredi community, Knesset Member Moshe Gafni of the United Torah Judaism party vostartd strong criticism towards his coalition partners from the Religious Zionist Party. Gafni expressed his frustration regarding their resistance to proposed legislation aimed at regulating enlistment for Haredi men and the legal status of yeshiva students.
Gafni stated, “It was expected that they would behave accordingly on issues that are essential to us, rather than resort to populism. Such behavior is not how coalition partners should act.” His remarks reflect a growing rift between the Haredi and Religious Zionist factions within the coalition.
Disputes Over Recruitment Legislation
The criticism extended to the Religious Zionist Party’s opposition to a draft bill that Haredi members are attempting to advance. Gafni labeled them as “the greatest instigators on this issue,” despite the fact that Haredi parties have supported various initiatives proposed by their Religious Zionist counterparts. “We swallow our disagreements and support their requests within the coalition, whether regarding the war or other issues,” he noted, highlighting the complexities of coalition dynamics.
Gafni further criticized members of the Likud party, denouncing Knesset members Dan Illouz and Moshe Saada for their opposition to the draft law. He remarked, “They wear knitted kippahs and are influenced by the Religious Zionist Party, inciting each other against us.”
Focus on the Hostage Crisis
In a shift to another critical issue, Gafni emphasized the paramount importance of returning hostages as a matter of life and death. He conveyed, “This is a real life-threatening situation, and nothing overrides that.” He reiterated that even if the recruitment law were to pass, he would prioritize efforts to secure the release of the hostages over all other legislative measures. “This is what we have been taught, and it remains my personal stance, which we express without fear.”
Reactions from the Religious Zionist Party
Ofer Sofer, a member of the Religious Zionist Party, recently addressed the draft law, asserting that if there is no dramatic change in the Haredi leadership’s approach to recruitment, he would oppose any legislation. Sofer emphasized the need for a law that would promote widespread enlistment in the military and security forces, stating, “Israel is facing significant challenges, and the burden cannot continue to fall solely on certain segments of the public.”
His colleague, Knesset Member Ohad Tal, asserted that the issue at hand is not just about the leadership of the Haredi parties, but also about creating substantial legislative change. “We will not settle for a law that is merely a façade,” Tal stated, emphasizing the need for a proposal that genuinely addresses security needs and alters the current dynamics of enlistment among the Haredi population.
Coalition Dynamics and Future Implications
The discussions surrounding the draft law have implications for the coalition’s stability, with the potential for further divisions if consensus cannot be reached. Gafni’s statements underline the tensions that often characterize coalition governance in Israel, particularly when sensitive issues such as military servstart, religious obligations, and political alliances intersect.
As the situation continues to evolve, all eyes will be on the Knesset to see how these coalition tensions will resolve and what impact they will have on legislative agendas moving forward