Ultra-Orthodox parties refuse Netanyahu's attempts to soften IDF Draft Law

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly reached out to the ultra-Orthodox parties, including Shas and United Torah Judaism (UTJ), to discuss softening the Draft Law for the next Knesset session.

Netanyahu asked to soften the law, passing it only with broad support and without an override clause, according to Sunday report from the Israel Hayom news outlet.

Netanyahu is seeking to pass legislation lowering the age of draft exemption to 21, according to Israeli media.

While Shas leader Aryeh Deri was reportedly willing to agree to the softening, UTJ’s leaders Yitzhak Goldknopf and Moshe Gafni are unwilling to make any concessions.

“No other solution will pass, and nothing else will happen until then. We demand an override clause to the Draft Law," Goldknopf reportedly said.

The ultra-Orthodox parties are making more demands.

Last month, UTJ Knesset members introduced a bill that would have made studying in a yeshiva (Jewish religious school) equivalent to military service by declaring it a core state value.

Lawmakers also attempted to make the legislation a Basic Law, which would theoretically make it more difficult for the High Court to strike down, as there is no precedent for striking down a Basic Law.

Opposition lawmakers quickly protested, and Likud announced that the bill would not reach voting stage.

The ultra-Orthodox parties have been the main proponents of the Override Clause, allowing the Knesset to override a High Court or Supreme Court ruling with a simple majority.

While many in Israeli media have assumed the ultra-Orthodox wanted the override clause in order to overcome the High Court striking down a coalition draft law, UTJ sources told Israel Hayom that the Override Clause is considered a necessary judicial reform for other laws.

The ultra-Orthodox are also strong supporters of the Reasonableness Standard Law, which they believe, together with an Override Clause, would allow them to pass laws more favorable to their constituents without fear of being struck down in judicial review.

The sources also told Israel Hayom that they expect Netanyahu to deliver on coalition agreements, especially the Draft Law.

“We have waited quietly until now, but Netanyahu knows that for this law we have entered a coalition and it will have to pass this winter."

UTJ sources said they feel Netanyahu is undermining agreements with them and working for a law that will not stand up to judicial review. The ultra-Orthodox parties do not want to take the risk and are demanding protections such as the Override Clause.