Amid efforts on Haredi draft law, Katz says ‘the world of Jewish Torah can never be harmed’

At an ultra-Orthodox Purim event, Defense Minister Israel Katz declares that “The world of Jewish Torah can never be harmed,” after mentioning the government’s work on Haredi conscription legislation.

Last night, Katz attended the event hosted by Haredi figure Yossi Rosenboim, where he was filmed making the comment. Those in attendance applauded the statement.

The dispute about the ultra-Orthodox community serving in the military is one of the most contentious in Israel, with decades of governmental and judicial attempts to settle the issue having failed to achieve a resolution.

The Haredi religious and political leadership fiercely resists any effort to draft young men, many of whom study in Yeshivas and have in the past been granted exemptions from serving. The issue has come to a head in light of recent High Court rulings demanding an end to blanket exemptions, and public pressure has risen due to the manpower shortages caused by the long ongoing war.