Tensions within the governing coalition escalated this week as United Torah Judaism (UTJ) declared that it would maintain its boycott of Knesset votes, a move aimed at pressuring the government over its failure to pass legislation that would safeguard military draft exemptions for chareidi yeshiva students.
The boycott, which began last week, came in response to statements by Brigadier General Shai Taib, the IDF’s head of manpower, who raised alarms about an urgent shortage of personnel. Taib emphasized the military’s immediate need for an additional 12,000 soldiers, including 7,000 for combat roles—figures that underscore the mounting push to broaden conscription and potentially eliminate longstanding exemptions.
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