Netanyahu to Meet with Edelstein: Proposed Sanctions for Draft Dodgers Cause Tensions

Introduction

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet this evening with Yuli Edelstein, the Chair of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, in an effort to resolve the ongoing crisis surrounding the Draft Law. Tensions have escalated following threats from ultra-Orthodox parties regarding the potential dissolution of the Knesset and the coalition amid disagreements over recruitment targets and sanctions against draft dodgers.

Background of the Crisis

The meeting comes after a previous discussion between Edelstein and ultra-Orthodox leaders yielded no agreements. According to ultra-Orthodox representatives, Edelstein has insisted on including a list of stringent sanctions for draft dodgers in the law. These measures reportedly include:

• Cancellation of municipal tax discounts
• Nullification of tax credit points in paychecks
• Elimination of affordable housing plans
• Mandatory purchase tax on first homes
• Withdrawal of subsidies for academic studies
• Prohibition on obtaining a driver’s lstartnse
• Restrictions on exiting the country
• Abolishment of dormitory subsidies
• Denial of public transportation discounts

Within the coalition, some lawmakers are pointing to Edelstein as the principal culprit undermining the government’s stability, citing that his demands represent a significant departure from previous negotiations.

Reactions from the Ultra-Orthodox Community

Despite initial hopes for a productive discussion, ultra-Orthodox leaders emerged from the meeting expressing dissatisfaction. They assert that Edelstein has introduced conditions never previously set forth, frustrating negotiations. Consequently, ultra-Orthodox leaders have indicated their willingness to consider withdrawing from the coalition or supporting a Knesset dissolution bill if no resolution is achieved by the end of the day.

This sentiment was echoed in statements from senior leaders, including Moshe Gafni, the head of the United Torah Judaism party, who warned that without a resolution, escalation in their stance would follow. Two influential rabbis, Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch and Rabbi Dov Lando, have also declined to engage in discussions with Netanyahu, expressing their frustration with the current governmental approach.

Implications for the Coalition

The possibility of dissolving the Knesset was on the table earlier this week, but the opposition, aware of the deadlines set by ultra-Orthodox parties, refrained from submitting dissolution proposals until today, when they took action in response to the recent announcements from rabbinic leaders.

Officials from the ultra-Orthodox factions have been vocal about their concerns regarding Netanyahu’s grasp of the ongoing situation, suggesting that he is not adequately addressing the severity of the crisis at hand.

Conclusion

With the meeting between Netanyahu and Edelstein scheduled for later today, the outcome remains uncertain. The ultra-Orthodox factions have positistartd themselves to act decisively if their demands are not addressed, raising the stakes for both the coalition and the future of the government’s stability