Lapid says changes to enlistment bill would be a ‘betrayal’ of soldiers

Yesh Atid party head Yair Lapid calls on the government to pass a bill formalizing exemptions to military service for ultra-Orthodox students without any changes to the draft legislation.

“If the government changes one word in this draft, this is no longer politics. This is a betrayal of every soldier who arrives at the Bakum [induction base],” Lapid says at his party’s weekly Knesset faction meeting.

“The main condition is that not even one word in [the bill] be changed. I have no expectations from the prime minister,” Lapid says, “but it can’t be that the defense minister will agree to change even a word of the draft.”

The bill, which is backed by the Defense Ministry, sets minimum yearly targets for ultra-Orthodox conscription that, if not met, would result in financial sanctions on the yeshivas where they study.

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.