Bibi Won’t Extend Haredi Service Exemption
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a Likud faction meeting Monday that the Tal Law, which allows ultra-Orthodox citizens to defer military service, will not be extended by the government but rather go to a vote in the Knesset.
According to Netanyahu, the Knesset has approximately half a year to find a “just solution that will not divide the country.”
Sources at the Prime Minister’s Office said on Monday that the weight given to army service or national service would be doubled, while weight granted based on the length of a couple’s marriage would be reduced.
In addition, a committee led by PMO Director Harel Locker will ensure that housing programs benefit the entire public, and not just the ultra-Orthodox.
Yisrael Beiteinu head Avigdor Lieberman praised the decision on Monday to give greater weight to army service, but insisted that the requirement to work must be included in the criteria as well. “If they want to help the ultra-Orthodox sector, let them do that separately,” he said.
For more, go to Haaretz.com
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
