Israel Katz: New draft law "historic turning point" in drafting Haredim

Defense Minister Israel Katz defended his approach to a new Draft Law for Haredim on X today (Thursday), calling criticisms of his efforts "cynical use o a moral issue like enlisting in the IDF."

Katz said that "the new Draft Law will with its completion bring about a historic turning point and the enlistment of tens of thousands of Haredim into significant service in the IDF for the first time since the establishment of the state - as opposed to the policy implemented lately, which failed and effectively brought about a decline in the number of Haredim who serve in the IDF."

Chief among these critics is Yoav Gallant, former Defense Minister and Likud MK who publicly resigned last night from the Knesset. Gallant noted a number of criticisms of the current government, chief among these the proposed new draft law, which he says exempts most Haredim to an extent he cannot abide.

Members of the opposition regularly call the proposed Draft Law the "Draft Dodging Law" and insist that when they come to power, they will simply pass and enforce a law that drafts everyone on pain of serious penalties.