Benny Gantz, the leader of the National Unity party, warned Sunday evening against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposed ultra-Orthodox draft law, labeling it a “red line” for his party’s continued participation in the coalition government. In a video message, Gantz expressed his deep concerns over the legislation, which he believes threatens the very fabric of national cohesion, particularly at a time when Israel faces significant security challenges.
The controversy centers on Netanyahu’s legislative proposal to amend the current draft process for the ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) community, which has historically been granted broad exemptions from military service. This issue has long been a contentious point within Israeli society, highlighting the delicate balance between religious observance and national duty.
Gantz’s ultimatum to the coalition underscores the growing tensions within Netanyahu’s government over the proposed changes. The Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, also voiced his opposition, citing a lack of flexibility among coalition members regarding the issue. Gantz echoed this sentiment, arguing that the proposed legislation represents a “serious failure of values,” potentially creating rifts within Israeli society during a crucial wartime period.
The draft law, as outlined by Netanyahu, does not set specific quotas for ultra-Orthodox enlistment but proposes raising the exemption age to 35. It also suggests the formation of special ultra-Orthodox battalions in the IDF and the inclusion of Haredi positions in emergency services and government offices. The legislative process for the draft law is slated to begin in late June, just before a Knesset recess, with ministers set to discuss the legislation on Tuesday.
Amid the ongoing war in Gaza, which has seen the call-up of 287,000 reservists and adjustments to draft dates for pre-army programs, the debate over the Haredi draft law has taken on new urgency. The government’s efforts to increase service periods for conscripts and reservists have met with backlash, prompting calls for an end to the de facto exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox community.
As the deadline for a new conscription law approaches, the ultra-Orthodox parties are pushing for continued exemptions, while others within the coalition demand greater participation from the Haredi community in military service. The proposed legislation has sparked a complex dialogue about equality, duty, and the security of the State of Israel, with Gantz and other key figures calling for a solution that respects the nation’s diverse societal fabric while ensuring its defense needs are met.