MK Ayman Odeh tells journalists that his Hadash front will not support the far-right government’s proposed bill to regulate ultra-Orthodox enlistment, stating that “there will be no scenario in which Hadash-Ta’al faction will support, be absent, abstain, or act in any way that could be interpreted as a lifeline for the government.” “We want to create complications for the government; we want to shorten its days. Anything that helps bring down the government — Hadash–Ta’al will support,” he added.

MK Ayman Odeh (Photo: Al-Ittihad)

The bill states that its goal is to “regulate the status of full-time yeshiva students while recognizing the importance of Torah study.” However, while it asserts that it aims to “reduce inequality in conscription for regular military service, including through the integration of members of the Haredi public into civil-security service,” it also states that full-time yeshiva students who do not engage in any other vocation can be granted annual deferments from enlistment.