Katz tenure may be cut short amid Israeli cabinet crisis: Official
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An official from the Israeli United Torah Judaism party highlights government troubles that could lead to the security minister's dismissal.
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Former Israeli Transportation Minister Israel Katz attends the cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister's office in occupied al-Quds on February 17, 2019. (AP)
A senior figure from United Torah Judaism sharply criticized Security Minister Israel Katz's decision to issue 7,000 draft orders to Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) young men, marking a significant escalation in the debate over military conscription within the Israeli Haredi community.
"We knew Defense Minister Katz wanted to make history in his role," the official told i24NEWS on Friday morning, "but it seems history will remember him only as the shortest-serving Defense Minister in the country."
Haredi parties have long doubted that the Israeli occupation forces would move forward with conscription for the Haredim, assuming that the new Security Minister would have the influence to halt the draft plan.
Katz's recent decision, however, appears to have surprised many, with draft orders set to begin rolling out gradually from Sunday, according to military directives.
Security Minister Katz has stated that he aims to initiate “deep discussions” with all stakeholders to develop a mutually acceptable solution for integrating Haredi Jews into the Israeli occupation forces.
The proposed solution, according to Katz, is intended to relieve the burden on regular and reserve soldiers while respecting the unique lifestyle of the Haredi community, aiming to enable them to fulfill their military duties without compromising their religious lifestyle.
Resuming Gallant's work
The decision, originally made by former Security Minister Yoav Gallant before his dismissal by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was upheld by Katz despite expectations of its reversal.
The Israeli occupation military confirmed that the first 1,000 orders will be issued on Sunday, with the remainder distributed over the coming months.
Katz stated that his Ministry aims to engage in "an in-depth dialogue" with all stakeholders to foster the integration of ultra-Orthodox recruits into the military while respecting their religious practices. He also pledged to create a "supportive environment" for their service.
The ultra-Orthodox community has long resisted mandatory conscription, advocating instead for military exemptions for yeshiva students. These exemptions, in place for decades, were ruled illegal by the High Court in June, prompting calls from UTJ and Shas parties for legislation to formalize the arrangement.
The two coalition parties have accused Gallant and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara of obstructing progress on such a bill, but following Katz’s decision, a senior UTJ official criticized Netanyahu's Likud, accusing the party of deciding to "declare war on the ultra-Orthodox."
Opposition leader Yair Lapid, however, commended Katz, stating on X, "I said in the Knesset that if you send the 7,000 draft orders to the ultra-Orthodox, soldiers and reservists will know that you are there for them. You did it without shying away.”
The Israeli military reported an increase in ultra-Orthodox enlistments this year but acknowledged challenges in meeting conscription targets. While the military seeks 10,000 additional soldiers, including 75% combat troops, it can only accommodate 3,000 new ultra-Orthodox recruits due to their precise needs. Currently, about 1,800 Haredi soldiers are drafted annually.
