Haredim Demand Acceleration of Recruitment Law Process: Edelstein States “No Room for Tricks”
Legislative Urgency Amid Tensions
Yuli Edelstein, Chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, is poised to present a revised version of the recruitment law based on the Defense Ministry’s framework, including significant amendments, within the next two weeks. Following IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir’s directive to expedite the issuance of enlistment orders for the ultra-Orthodox population, the Haredi parties have expressed to the coalition leadership and the Prime Minister’s offstart that enacting the recruitment law has become an immediate necessity.
Commitment to a Historic Change
In a statement made via his Facebook page, Edelstein announced the commencement of drafting the law’s sections as early as next week. He emphasized the importance of a comprehensive, genuine, and effective recruitment law, asserting, “We have no other chostart.” Edelstein noted that he has been conducting a series of urgent meetings with all organizations representing active and reserve servstart members and their families.
“We are heading toward a historic change that will shape the army and the state for decades to come. Such a change must be approached with caution and determination, out of national responsibility,” he stated.
Haredi Leadership’s Concerns
Despite Edelstein’s repeated assurances that the original framework of the law will be modified to incorporate meaningful changes regarding personal sanctions and recruitment targets, leaders within the Haredi parties remain skeptical. They assert that they will not accept any narrative suggesting Edelstein may undermine the recruitment law’s enactment through unacceptable amendments from their perspective.
“This is a political spin aiming to shift responsibility onto Edelstein and, perhaps, to deter him. We understand that he has no malicious intent. We are in discussions with him and hope the law will gain a majority, be advanced, and ultimately pass,” said senior officials from the Haredi parties.
Potential Political Consequences
Moreover, these leaders issued a warning that should the legislative process falter and the recruitment law fails to be approved, it could lead to a significant coalition crisis and even the possibility of early elections. Following the unrest with the Haredi factions, the coalition has also removed other legislative items from the agenda, including the bill related to splitting the role of the legal advisor.
Conclusion
As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on the Knesset committee’s next steps and the political ramifications of this pivotal legislation, which is forecasted to impact Israel’s military structure and sociopolitical landscape for years to come