The maximum exemption age is currently set at 26, meaning that after that Haredi men can no longer get their exemption extended based on their declaration that "Torah study is my profession" under the controversial law that the High Court of Justice has asked the government to revise.
The new measures, if enacted, would mean that Haredim who enlist would get benefits while those who do not would be financially hurt through what is called “negative incentives.” However, the details could be crucial. If the sanctions are merely in the form of smaller budgets for yeshivot, it will be very easy for ultra-Orthodox representatives to circumvent them by increasing the yeshiva funding by other means.
The prime minister spoke to Republicans via video link nearly a week after the Senate's Democratic majority leader, Chuck Schumer, gave a Senate speech branding Netanyahu an obstacle to peace and urging new elections in Israel.
After Gideon Sa'ar announces end of New Hope's alliance with Benny Gantz, sources assess that Netanyahu likely to give him prominent position, viewing him as "right-wing insurance" for shaky government.
Gantz's people are handling the visit independently vis-à-vis the Biden administration, his office said. The minister is expected to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.
"We have two missions: to dismantle the government as soon as possible and to unite the Left," Yair Golan's office said. "Unfortunately, Merav Michaeli is forcing internal primaries in Labor and opposes uniting our camp. We will be elected, unite along the way and establish a new political framework that will unite the entire liberal-democratic camp under a new brand."
Netanyahu was angry that Gallant was essentially leaving him to deal alone with the Haredi parties on this matter, potentially threatening his Coalition.
The poll, conducted by Maagar Mochot Institute, examined how many Knesset seats Likud would get if it were to run under a different leadership. It shows that if Nir Barkat were to become chairman the party would likely get 19 seats – the same as what Netanyahu would bring under that poll. If former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen becomes Likud leader, the party will strengthen and get 22 seats.
The unusual statement comes after Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben-Gvir threatened to topple Netanyahu's gov't. "Reckless deal = dismantling of the government," Ben-Gvir posted on X.
The big winner from holding elections now would be the last party that joined the government and is now extending its days: The State Party led by Gantz. It is projected to garner 31 seats in the poll, compared to only 12 seats in the current Knesset.