Gallant rejects Haredi draft proposal amid growing schism

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli media
24 Mar 2024 14:43
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The Israeli Security Minister has voiced disapproval of his coalition partners' inflexibility regarding the issue of providing blanket exemptions from the Israeli army for ultra-Orthodox Haredi Jews.

Israeli occupation forces on an armored vehicle speak with an ultra-Orthodox Haredi jew as they deploy near occupied territories bordering the Gaza Strip on October 24, 2023. (AFP)

Internal Israeli disputes have increased on more than one level in parallel with the ongoing Israeli genocide against Gaza for 170 days now as the occupation has failed to achieve its announced "war objectives".

Amid extreme clashes in positions and opinions regarding the administration of the war and negotiations surrounding the captives deal, the ultra-Orthodox Haredi Jews refuse to be recruited in the IOF on "biblical doctrinal" grounds, which has prompted them to protest in occupied al-Quds under the slogan: "We'd rather die than serve."

In a related development, Security Minister Yoav Gallant has expressed criticism toward his coalition members for their reluctance to display "flexibility" concerning the matter of granting blanket exemptions from the IOF to the ultra-Orthodox Haredi Jews, as the deadline for introducing new legislation approaches.

Before heading to Washington for a meeting with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Gallant emphasized the importance of reaching a consensus on the matter, stating that it is crucial for the Israeli army's effectiveness and continued operation. He urged for a compromise to be reached on the issue.

“This coming Tuesday, a proposal for a decision on the recruitment issue will be brought to the government by the prime minister, on his initiative,” he stressed. “My position has not changed. I will not be a party to any proposal that isn’t agreed upon by all coalition factions — and under my leadership, the security system will not submit it for legislation.”

“There is still time to come together and form a joint proposal,” Gallant said.

“I again call on the prime minister and minister Benny Gantz to take advantage of the time that remains and forge a broad consensus on the issue of the conscription law, for the benefit of the IDF and the benefit of the State of Israel,” he added.

Last week, demonstrations led to confrontations between the Haredi Jews and the occupation police, who announced that they were using force against the rioting Haredi demonstrators in al-Quds. The Israeli settlers called the Israeli occupation police "Nazis" and urged them to "go die in Gaza."

At the time, the internal clashes escalated when an Israeli settler ran over a Haredi Jew demonstrator, as reported by Israeli Channel 12.

The Israeli "Mothers on the Front" movement stated, in response to the Haredi Jews demonstration, that anyone who does not want to serve in the IOF must "leave Israel".

Dive deeper

The more religious slice of the Israeli settler community rejects recruitment into the Israeli army, which may opt for a chaotic recruitment-by-force situation from the authorities. As this issue reflects a grueling internal conflict from within, the Knesset looks to attract Haredi Jews through services and material means.

It is estimated that there are about 50,000 Haredi orthodox young adults in occupied Palestine who are eligible for military recruitment in the Israeli army. However, only 1,200 are signed up, as of 2019 statistics.

As per Israeli policy, the population is forced into military conscription, meaning that they must serve in the occupation army - or else will serve time in jail. However, the Ultra-Orthodox Jewish community typically does not and has always criticized the policy. Several attempts to integrate them into the IOF have failed.

The Israeli government, though, has been trying to change that.

Three weeks ago, the Knesset passed a bill -- needing two more readings -- that would integrate more Ultra-Orthodox men into the military.

Haredi Jews have demands that the IOF cannot apply: Restrictions regarding being in contact with women soldiers, praying 3 times a day, a Jewish-friendly kitchen, not working on Saturdays, and more.

As a result, neither the Haredi Jews wished to enroll, nor did the IOF need them.

Several religious parties pledged their commitment to opposing the bill, entailing that mutiny may be on the table if the government were to force their recruitment.