Lapid derides government for dependence on ultra-Orthodox ‘masters’

Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid derides the government for its dependence on the support of the spiritual leaders of United Torah Judaism party — its “masters” — to advance the ultra-Orthodox enlistment law.

“Yesterday the coalition heads were meant to meet; the explanation for the cancellation was that there is no reason for the coalition heads to meet until the Council of Torah Sages had decided,” says Lapid at the start of the weekly faction meeting. “The government doesn’t initiate anything, they wait for their masters to tell them what to do.”

He is referring to a gathering of the Council of Torah Sages of Agudat Yisrael, a rabbinical council governing a key faction within the United Torah Judaism party, yesterday to debate the contentious legislation on drafting Haredi yeshiva students into the military. The panel concluded their meeting by agreeing to consider backing the current bill if “a few changes are made,” a source within the party told The Times of Israel on Sunday, confirming reports in the ultra-Orthodox media. The source declined to say what changes would be required.

“We say bring the bill now and vote on it,” says Lapid, reiterating that his opposition Yesh Atid party will support the legislation only in its current version.

“We cannot change a single word [in the legislation], the defense minister said so and we have said so. Not one word. The law will bring more Haredim into the army and into the workforce.”

Lapid also announces his party will bring a proposal for surrogacy for same-sex couples to a Knesset vote next week.

“Netanyahu said he would support it, he even made a video. So  I call on him to do what he says and support the bill,” says Lapid.

— Raoul Wootliff