Feb 10 • 15:06 UTC 🇮🇱 Israel Haaretz

The Torah Flag and Shas Have Decided to Pass the Exemption Law at All Costs and Support the Budget

The Torah Flag and Shas parties are determined to pass a military exemption law and support the national budget amid a desperate situation for the ultra-Orthodox leadership.

The Torah Flag and Shas parties in Israel have made a resolute decision to push forward with a military exemption law for ultra-Orthodox individuals, prioritizing this over strict conditions, as they seek to align with the national budget. Sources suggest that the current climate is dire for the ultra-Orthodox leadership, facing immense pressure due to the expiration of a previous exemption law that led thousands of yeshiva students into a status of being absent without official military exemption. In light of these circumstances, both parties are willing to accept terms that fall short of their original demands, acknowledging that they no longer have a viable alternative.

A representative from the Torah Flag party conveyed that despite the compromises necessitated by the evolving political landscape, their efforts are focused on achieving the best possible outcome. Although there are concerns about the implications of enacting legislation that fails to adequately protect the interests of yeshiva students who have become draft evaders, they remain committed to navigating through the complexities of the legislative process. The clear directive from rabbinical authorities within the community emphasizes the urgency of passing the exemption law at all costs, reinforcing their priority during these negotiations.

The landscape of Israeli politics continues to be shaped by the interactions between secular and ultra-Orthodox views, with the implications of such legislative decisions bearing potential long-term consequences not just for the ultra-Orthodox community but for Israeli society as a whole. As the budget discussions unfold alongside this proposed legislation, both parties must balance their community's needs with broader national interests. This situation underscores the ongoing tension within Israeli politics regarding military service and the rights of different social groups, making each decision a critical juncture.

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