Liberman claims he torpedoed ultra-Orthodox 'draft-dodging bill'

Taking credit for the coalition compromise, Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman, whose Yisrael Beytenu party opposes the ultra-Orthodox-backed conscription bill, says he froze the bill and stands against draft-dodging.

“Our word is our word! The framework we demanded all along has been accepted in full,” Liberman says in a statement.

“1. Yisrael Beytenu will vote against the draft-dodging bill.
“2. By the start of the summer session [in mid-April], a Defense Ministry professional team will draft a bill that will form the basis of a government bill.
“3. Legislation on religion and state will be frozen. We will continue to defend the status quo.”