Zionist Union praises Yesh Atid for opposing ultra-Orthodox draft law

Zionist Union chairman Avi Gabbay welcomes Yesh Atid’s “zigzag” decision to oppose the the ultra-Orthodox conscription bill, calling the proposal a “bluff that will not bring about equal sharing of the [military] burden.”

Speaking at his party’s Knesset faction meeting, Gabbay claims it was the Zionist Union’s “steadfast opposition” to the bill that caused Yesh Atid to reconsider its own support.

Speaking earlier, Lapid said that the coalition had agreed on an “under the table” deal to give the ultra-Orthodox funds that would match losses from financial sanctions for draft dodgers in the bill.

“IDF soldiers risk their lives for our security and receive a political deal at their expense in return, one that means we will not recruit any more ultra-Orthodox, and will not give a proper reward to those who serve,” Gabbay adds.

He says that if elected, “within a year” of becoming prime minister he will pass a law to give significant financial benefits to soldiers.

— Raoul Wootliff