PM Netanyahu seeks compromise on draft exemption bill as ultra-Orthodox parties threaten to dissolve Knesset

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conducted a meeting yesterday with Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman Yuli Edelstein to discuss advancing the draft exemption bill. According to the Times of Israel, the meeting confirmed that a path exists to bridge the gaps on the issue of conscription.

The Prime Minister’s Office stated that Netanyahu will chair another meeting on Thursday afternoon that will also include Edelstein, Shas party Knesset Member Ariel Attias, and Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fox.

Edelstein addressed the ongoing developments in a post on 𝕏 on Wednesday, voicing his opposition to dissolving the Knesset and expressing a desire to find a resolution, writing: “I am not in favor of disbanding the coalition or dissolving the government, and I do not share in the hatred of our haredi brothers.”

He has remained firm in his commitment that any legislation emerging from his committee will include penalties for draft evasion, including sanctions. Following his refusal to compromise on sanctions during the meeting, the spiritual leaders of Degel HaTorah – one of the two factions in the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party – instructed their MKs to submit a bill to dissolve the Knesset, the Times of Israel reported.

According to Hebrew media sources, Shas chairman Aryeh Deri has also expressed support for dissolving the government.

In a separate statement, Edelstein’s spokesperson said the meeting was held “in a positive atmosphere” and noted that “talks will resume tomorrow [Thursday].”