Kadima, Likud lawyers hold unproductive meeting on universal draft law

After a late night meeting Thursday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyhau and Kadima leader Shaul Mofaz decided to task their lawyers Friday with producing an agreement on the new universal draft law, something their political representatives have so far failed to achieve.

David Shimron representing the Likud, and Alon Gelert representing Kadima, convened on Friday and took over negotiations from where both the Knesset Committee and the Plesner/Ya’alon task force broke down. But reports said the lawyers were not able to make substantial progress and that the sticking points continue to be enlistment age and personal sanctions placed on draft dodgers. The lawyers have now reportedly returned to their respective parties for further consultations.

The two lawyers were the ones who drew up the coalition agreement that saw Kadima join the government about two months ago.

Though it appears doubtful that the sides will be able to arrive at a solution in time for a new bill to be presented to the Cabinet meeting on Sunday, a special meeting may be convened later in order to expedite the bill’s legislation before the August 1 deadline.

Vice Prime Minister Moshe Ya’alon said Thursday he was doubtful any new universal draft legislation would be ready for the Knesset to vote on before its break at the end of the month, renewing speculation that Kadima may bolt the coalition over the issue. In an interview to Army Radio Friday morning, Kadima MK Meir Sheetrit called on Mofaz to leave the government. Sheetrit said that a majority of Kadima MKs were in favor of their party quitting the coalition.

The precise framework for drafting ultra-Orthodox and Arab Israelis has been a subject of ongoing dispute between the Likud and its Kadima coalition partner.

Ya’alon and Kadima MK Yohanan Plesner have been part of a joint task force working to draft a replacement to the outgoing Tal Law, which for 10 years provided ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students with a framework for exemption from service. The measure was struck down by the High Court earlier this year as unconstitutional, and is due to be expunged from the books on August 1.

On Wednesday, the two had a bust-up over the extent and shape of ultra-Orthodox service, with Plesner storming out of the meeting and Kadima figures accusing the Likud party of reneging on earlier commitments.

On Thursday, Ya’alon told a press conference that Kadima’s proposals would inhibit ultra-Orthodox participation in military or national service.

“To the Haredim it seems like they are declaring war,” he said, adding that there had been progress in coaxing the ultra-Orthodox into serving in uniform or doing civilian service. “Kadima and Plesner would stop that progress.”

The two had earlier said they would have the draft ready by Wednesday. Netanyahu has insisted that any legislation be acceptable to enough of the coalition for it to pass the Knesset, while Mofaz wants the law to be based on recommendations drawn up by an earlier Knesset panel headed by Plesner.

The committee was disbanded last week, unilaterally by Netanyahu, with Kadima threatening in response to leave the coalition. Plesner presented its recommendations anyway.

Other coalition partners have expressed reservations over clauses dealing with Arab service and sanctions on the ultra-Orthodox. Yisrael Beyteinu is to submit its own bill to bring ultra-Orthodox and Arab Israelis into military or other national service.