The issue of an equal military draft is not new, but it is burning and is already a growing stain on Israeli democracy. The parliamentary efforts to introduce a law that the haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties would deem favorable are shameful and serve as a clear mirror to the priorities of our leadership: Keep the coalition intact, and avoid yet another round of elections.
When it seemed like a close call – as Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairman Yuli Edelstein stood his ground on the value of an equal draft – this was the government’s opportunity to prove that it still upheld the values and priorities that earned it votes in the first place.
It chose differently. It chose its own survival over the well-being, camaraderie, and fairness for its citizens.
In a closed-door vote last week, the Likud voted 29-4 for MK Boaz Bismuth to become the new chairman of the committee.
While it is clear as day that forcing Edelstein out was both punitive and practical for the largest representative party in government, Bismuth would do well to remember that he is not just a pawn to the coalition’s survival; he is an elected official. As such, he must do what is right by the public and the voters.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid said it was “a black day for Israel and its people. Bismuth was chosen to promote draft evasion – a slap in the face to the soldiers, reservists, and their families. It is also a black day for the Likud, which has become a branch of the haredim and the draft evaders.”
Blue and White chairman Benny Gantz said: “[The] Likud decided to abandon our heroic fighters and turn a blind eye to the challenges and security interests of Israel – for political gain. Amid a war, the Likud, led by [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu, chose to turn one of the most important committees in the Knesset into mere window dressing, with one goal: to exempt haredim from military service… You’ve lost touch with the people, and you’ve lost your way. This is not [former prime minister Menachem] Begin’s Likud.”
Bismuth now has an opportunity here to prove his political opposition wrong and to do a real act of public service. If Edelstein is to be believed, as this paper has already expressed, a law that would begin the restoration of a historical wrong was on its way to coming into reality.
For years, political convenience and the well-fitted lie that a minority community’s wishes should take priority above camaraderie and national necessity kept the system in place. There are many brave haredim who understand this and do their part with military service.
If their objection was only about the critical years that they argue are necessary to study Torah to have more of it in the world and in reverence to Jewish traditions, then the religious-Zionist community has more than proven that it is possible to do both: to hold onto both our traditions and security and to report for duty.
Keeping the haredi community isolated – not just in service but also in so many other aspects – has to be for a different purpose. Haredi political leaders have done a disservice to their own communities and voters by keeping them isolated from the rest of society, with the tip of the iceberg being the draft issue. This not only led to much-deserved anger but ultimately pain at such a deep and wide schism.
To remedy this and bring true unity among all citizens, a much deeper cleanse and restructuring process will have to begin. This may take years, even a generation, but it has to be done – for Israel’s future survival and quality of life.
Bismuth has an opportunity to begin this historic process and do right by the broader Israeli public, restore some much-needed honor to the Knesset, and ultimately give all voters – including Likud voters – what they deserve. With the most right-wing government ever to hold power in the Knesset, what is being done to right-wing voters in this regard is beyond offensive.
Bismuth and his party colleagues would do well to remember this when it comes time to present an updated draft bill by listening and responding to the call of the hour.