A major political crisis is brewing within Israel’s governing coalition as the chareidi parties intensify demands for a new draft law that will secure the status of yeshiva students without imposing any penalties or sanctions. In response to the government’s failure to advance such legislation, Yahadus HaTorah is expected to boycott votes in the Knesset and its committees, an unprecedented move that could soon be joined by Shas.
The emergency faction meeting of Yahadus HaTorah, scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, will focus on the stalled progress in legislating a draft exemption framework. At the heart of the discontent is MK Moshe Gafni, chairman of Degel HaTorah, who has expressed growing frustration over the government’s inaction, despite repeated warnings from the party’s spiritual leadership.
During the meeting, Yahadus HaTorah is likely to adopt a decision to suspend its participation in both Knesset plenum votes and committee sessions. Some within the faction are also pushing to halt activity entirely in committees under chareidi control, such as the powerful Finance Committee.
The demand from the party is clear: tangible legislative progress must be made on the new draft law, in accordance with the explicit guidance of Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch and Rav Dov Landau, roshei yeshiva of Slabodka.
Political insiders believe Shas will follow suit if Yahadus HaTorah officially decides to disengage from coalition business.
According to information obtained by inside sources, during Yom Tov visits with members of the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah, Shas leader Aryeh Deri was quoted as saying, “We are working to pass a draft law that will pass the test of the High Court. But if we don’t see significant movement in the next two weeks, we will boycott Knesset votes. We won’t continue as if everything is normal—I’ve already made that clear to Netanyahu.”
Behind the scenes, a major dispute is unfolding. Gedolei Yisroel have firmly demanded that any new draft law exclude sanctions—particularly personal sanctions against yeshiva students or institutions—despite understandings reportedly reached between Aryeh Deri and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s predecessor, Yisroel Katz. Katz had previously declared that any draft legislation from his office would include personal penalties if enlistment targets weren’t met.
{Matzav.com Israel}