NGO opposes postponing haredi draft hearing

Hearing to discuss drafting approximately 70 percent of draft-age ultra-Orthodox men into the IDF within three years.

By YONAH JEREMY BOB
Religious haredi IDF soldiers praying 521 (R) (photo credit: REUTERS)
Religious haredi IDF soldiers praying 521 (R)
(photo credit: REUTERS)
The Movement for the Quality of Government in Israel filed an objection on Thursday to the state’s recent request to postpone a hearing before the High Court of Justice dealing with the issue of drafting around 35,000 haredim into the army and related issues.
The state recently requested a postponement of the hearing, scheduled for June 18, which was to discuss the recent proposal by the Peri Committee to draft approximately 70 percent of draft-age ultra-Orthodox men within three years.
In correspondence on the issue with the Movement for the Quality of Government, the state indicated that Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon has declined to exercise his authority under the emergency regulations requiring drafting all citizens of the appropriate age, preferring to defer any action on the issue until new legislation is passed.
In rejecting any further postponement of the issue, the MQG started by reminding the court that since August 2012, the state has been violating the emergency regulations by failing to draft around 35,000 haredim into the IDF.
The MQG added that the court issued a conditional order in November 2012 demanding that the state explain on what basis it had not yet drafted the haredim obligated to serve under the law.
Further, the MQG said that the state had initially committed to passing legislation resolving the issue by mid-May and in its latest correspondence was refusing to commit to any set date.
Next, the MQG said that the obligation to draft these 35,000 haredim was completely separate and unrelated to the legislative process regarding a new law.
According to the MQG, while the new law may or may not address future situations of haredim who will become obligated to serve in the IDF in the coming years, none of this addresses the failure to draft the 35,000 haredi men who became obligated to serve 10 months ago.