Gallant says he won’t back Haredi draft proposal being submitted this week, asks coalition partners to be ‘flexible’

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant criticizes his fellow coalition members for refusing to be “flexible” on the issue of blanket exemptions from the IDF for the ultra-Orthodox community as the deadline to present new legislation draws closer.

Speaking ahead of his departure for Washington where he will meet with his US counterpart, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Gallant says that reaching an agreement on the issue is “essential for the existence and success of the IDF,” and appeals for a compromise to be found.

“This coming Tuesday, a proposal for a decision on the recruitment issue will be brought to the government by the prime minister, on his initiative,” he continues. “My position has not changed. I will not be a party to any proposal that isn’t agreed upon by all coalition factions — and under my leadership, the security system will not submit it for legislation.”

“There is still time to come together and form a joint proposal,” Gallant adds. “I again call on the prime minister and minister Benny Gantz to take advantage of the time that remains and forge a broad consensus on the issue of the conscription law, for the benefit of the IDF and the benefit of the State of Israel.”