Coalition crisis flares again over universal draft bill

Vice Prime Minister Moshe Ya’alon said Thursday he was doubtful any new universal draft legislation would be ready for the Knesset to vote on before its break at the end of the month, renewing speculation that Kadima may bolt the coalition over the issue.

The precise framework for drafting ultra-Orthodox and Arab Israelis has been a subject of ongoing dispute between the Likud and its Kadima coalition partner, and the two parties’ failure to agree on legislation was again threatening to cause a coalition crisis Thursday, with Kadima leader Shaul Mofaz warning that his party will leave the government if a satisfactory law is not drafted.

Ya’alon and Kadima MK Yohanan Plesner have been working together to draft a replacement to the outgoing Tal Law, which for 10 years provided ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students with a framework for exemption from service. The measure was struck down by the High Court earlier this year as unconstitutional, and is due to be expunged from the books on August 1.

On Wednesday, the two had a bust-up over the extent and shape of ultra-Orthodox service, with Plesner storming out of the meeting and Kadima figures accusing the Likud party of reneging on earlier commitments. Nonetheless, the two were set to meet again later on Thursday or subsequently.

On Thursday, Ya’alon told a press conference that Kadima’s proposals would inhibit ultra-Orthodox participation in military or national service.

“To the Haredim it seems like they are declaring war,” he said, adding that there had been progress in coaxing the ultra-Orthodox into serving in uniform or doing civilian service. “Kadima and Plesner would stop that progress.”

The two had earlier said they would have the draft ready by Wednesday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that any legislation be acceptable to enough of the coalition for it to pass the Knesset, while Mofaz wants the law to be based on recommendations drawn up by an earlier panel headed by Plesner.

The committee was disbanded last week, with Kadima threatening in response to leave the coalition.

Other coalition partners have expressed reservations over clauses dealing with Arab service and sanctions on the ultra-Orthodox.

Ya’alon said Thursday there was a possibility the coalition would change in some way as fallout from the affair, saying the government could see a crisis in the coming days.