TIMES OF ISRAEL
Gallant says no Haredi draft bill without centrist support, risking coalition crisis
Emanuel Fabian and Jeremy Sharon
February 28, 2024

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant called for an end to military draft exemptions for members of the ultra-Orthodox community Wednesday, and said he would only back legislation settling the matter if it is endorsed by centrist ministers Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot. His position, along with growing pressure on the government to reach a resolution on the long-deferred political hot potato, could set up a do-or-die clash with Haredi parties key to the survival of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling coalition. Urging lawmakers to hash out legislation to address a situation in which most ultra-Orthodox men can skip mandatory service in favor of religious studies, Gallant said manpower strains on the army amid fighting in Gaza and on the northern border required the contribution of all sectors of society. READ MORE

JNS Could the haredi draft issue bring down the government? Gallant drops a bombshell by announcing he will back an ultra-Orthodox service law only if all parts of the coalition agree.