Benny Gantz to Resign Over Controversial Legislation
Benny Gantz, a member of Israel’s war cabinet, has announced his intention to resign from the national emergency government if a proposed legislation, which continues to exempt ultra-Orthodox Jews from mandatory military service, is passed into law.
Gantz’s Strong Stance
In a statement, Gantz, the centrist cabinet minister, emphasized, “The nation cannot accept it, the Knesset (parliament) must not vote for it, and my colleagues and I will not be members of the emergency government should such legislation pass in the Knesset.”
“The conscription law being drawn up by the government is a serious moral failure that will create a deep rift within us at a time when we need to fight together against our enemies,” said Gantz.
Opposition Within the Government
While Gantz’s party alone may not have the power to bring down Netanyahu’s government, Israel’s defence minister Yoav Gallant has also expressed opposition to the bill, indicating dissent within Netanyahu’s own right-wing Likud party.
Gallant, currently on an official visit to the United States, stated that he would not support the bill, which is scheduled to be presented to the cabinet on Tuesday.
Details of the Legislation
Although the proposed legislation has not been publicly disclosed, leaks to Israeli media suggest it revises disputed military exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews of the Haredi community and may even expand them.
Additionally, it downplays the economic consequences of the longstanding policy, which top Israeli economists have repeatedly warned carries a heavy price.
Implications and Controversy
The exemptions granted to ultra-Orthodox Jews have long been a point of contention in Israel. The issue is further exacerbated by the country’s costly mobilization during the conflict in Gaza.
Ultra-Orthodox parties, representing approximately 13% of Israel’s population, have been coalition partners in successive Netanyahu-led governments, demanding that their constituents be permitted to study in seminaries instead of serving in the military.
Critics argue that the draft exemption stops many of them from participating in the workforce, while opposition lawmakers have denounced it as an unfair and insulting policy to other Israelis.
