Agudat Israel Demands From Change Bloc: Draft Exemption Law and Override Clause

In depth

Rabbis of Agudat Israel drew up a series of demands ahead of negotiations with the Eisenkot bloc, including an exemption from conscription and a signed commitment from Knesset members. The demands were discussed at a meeting held at the home of the son of the Slonim Rebbe, with the participation of one of the rebbes and representatives of the Ger and Vizhnitz Hasidic groups.

The leaked demands document set conditions such as an override clause and a commitment to legislate the exemption law. Among the conditions is also a personal written commitment from each of the 48 Change Bloc members, including those opposed to the law. The document presented raises the possibility of coordination with the Attorney General.

A legal opinion that reached senior figures in the Change Bloc holds that there is no feasibility of passing a conscription exemption law for Haredim that the High Court would approve. According to its conclusions, the Haredim must change their demands, or the negotiations will end sooner than expected.