According to Hebrew media, Gallant demands broad approval from the opposition for any law dealing with Haredi recruitment, and he made it clear when he entered the plenary session that he insists on his demand for greater mobilization because of the needs of the army.
“This is a security issue and an ethical issue,” Gallant said. Since I objected to the first reading, things have gotten worse. We have more open fronts, more wounded and more victims. “We need more soldiers and we need more fighters.”
Controversy has escalated in Israel regarding the issue of Haredi recruitment, as the army seeks to include 3,000 Haredi youth into its ranks, after the Supreme Court ruled last June that they must be recruited.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant previously confirmed that the army needs 10,000 additional soldiers immediately, indicating the possibility of absorbing 3,000 Haredi recruits.
In mid-August, the Israeli army said that only 48 of the first 900 young ultra-Orthodox Jews who received court-ordered conscription orders had come to the conscription center to complete their initial assessments.
According to Israel Cohen, a political commentator for a Haredi radio station, most Haredi men in the past complied with the procedures and obtained exemption from military service. But the situation has changed now, with the ultra-Orthodox community taking a tougher stance.
The Haredim believe that their primary role lies in preserving the Jewish identity of Israel, considering that their prayers provide spiritual protection for the state.
On the other hand, ordinary Israeli citizens feel frustrated, as they see that they alone bear the responsibility of building the national economy and protecting the country’s security, while the Haredim do not share these burdens.
Source: RT
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**Interview with Political Analyst, Dr. Miriam Katz, on Gallant’s Demands for Haredi Recruitment Law**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Katz. Recent reports suggest that Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is calling for broad approval from the opposition regarding any laws that address Haredi recruitment. What do you make of this demand?
**Dr. Katz:** Thank you for having me. Gallant’s stance is quite significant and reflects a strategic approach. By seeking broad approval, he’s potentially trying to foster collaboration across party lines, which is crucial in a polarized political landscape.
**Interviewer:** Why is opposition support particularly important for a law on Haredi recruitment?
**Dr. Katz:** The Haredi community’s recruitment into the IDF is a sensitive issue in Israeli society. It stirs strong opinions on both sides. Gaining bipartisan support could lead to more stable and enduring legislation, as opposed to passing something that only has the backing of the ruling coalition.
**Interviewer:** There are many challenges when it comes to Haredi recruitment. What are some of the potential obstacles Gallant might face in this process?
**Dr. Katz:** One major obstacle is the deeply entrenched cultural and ideological beliefs of the Haredi community regarding military service. Many view it as conflicting with their religious values. Additionally, the opposition parties might have divergent views on how recruitment should be structured or incentivized, making consensus difficult.
**Interviewer:** As Gallant has made his demand clear in the plenary session, how do you expect this to impact the overall political climate in Israel?
**Dr. Katz:** Gallant’s open demand can either bridge gaps or exacerbate tensions. If he successfully garners support from the opposition, it could set a precedent for future collaboration on contentious issues. However, if discussions stall, it could heighten divisions within the Knesset, leaving the ruling coalition vulnerable.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Katz, for your insights into this complex issue.
**Dr. Katz:** My pleasure! It’s an important topic, and I look forward to seeing how it develops.
Ation that addresses the concerns of various stakeholders, from the military’s needs to the Haredi community’s values and beliefs. It could also help alleviate some of the societal tensions surrounding the issue.
**Interviewer:** Gallant has emphasized that this is not only a military necessity but also an ethical concern. How do you view this perspective?
**Dr. Katz:** It’s crucial. The argument that more soldiers are needed amidst increasing security threats has validity, but framing it as an ethical issue adds another layer. It highlights the broader societal responsibility to contribute to national security. However, it also risks deepening the divides between the Haredi community and other Israelis who may feel their sacrifices are not being shared equitably.
**Interviewer:** The Supreme Court recently mandated the recruitment of Haredi youth. How has this ruling impacted the recruitment situation?
**Dr. Katz:** The court ruling was pivotal – it created a legal framework that emphasizes inclusion. However, implementing this in practice has proven difficult. The low turnout of Haredi youth for conscription illustrates the ongoing resistance within the community. They have traditionally viewed military service as conflicting with their religious obligations, which complicates the recruitment efforts.
**Interviewer:** Many ordinary Israeli citizens express frustrations regarding the perceived unequal burden of military service. How do you think this affects public sentiments?
**Dr. Katz:** There’s a growing sentiment of resentment among the general populace. Many feel that the Haredi community is not participating in the national burden, which can lead to broader social unrest. It is essential for public discourse to address these feelings while also considering the cultural and religious identity that the Haredi community upholds. Efforts to bridge this gap are increasingly critical.
**Interviewer:** what do you believe is the next step for the government in addressing the Haredi recruitment issue?
**Dr. Katz:** The government needs to engage in active dialogue with Haredi leaders and the community to understand their concerns better. Crafting a recruitment framework that respects their values while ensuring national security is key. Additionally, placing emphasis on the long-term benefits of service and integrating Haredi individuals into the military in supportive roles could be a potential path forward.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Katz. This is indeed a complex issue with many layers, and your perspective helps illuminate the various facets at play.
**Dr. Katz:** Thank you for having me. It’s an important conversation, and I hope to see meaningful progress in the near future.
