Chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee MK Yuli Edelstein responded Friday morning to the controversy surrounding the proposed draft law and dismissed accusations that he was attempting to topple the government under the guise of promoting recruitment reform.
“I want, have wanted, and will continue to want one thing—a real draft law. It may not be perfect in everyone’s eyes, but it provides the IDF with a solution through a gradual enlistment of chareidim,” Edelstein said in an interview with Maariv.
He stressed that the legislation he is advancing is substantial and meaningful: “This is a serious law—with personal and institutional sanctions, real numbers, and strict oversight. This law puts an end to the phenomenon of pretending to be Torah learners. In my eyes, that’s a disgrace to the Torah world,” he said.
Edelstein also addressed claims that he was working behind the scenes to bring down the Netanyahu government. “There was no need to explain to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu that I’m not trying to bring down the government,” he said. “Netanyahu never believed those fear-mongering stories—that I’m aligned with Lapid, Bennett, or Eisenkot. Not even Yair Golan. I respect the prime minister’s intelligence. He knows there’s no truth to it.”
Edelstein made it clear that he has no intention of leaving the Likud party or joining any other political faction.
When asked whether Netanyahu might consider removing him from his position due to pressure from chareidi parties, Edelstein replied, “I don’t think that’s being seriously considered. That wouldn’t be a responsible move. Firing me would kill any chance of passing the law in this term. I’m not naïve about political scenarios, but I’m not afraid and I have no intention of changing my position. My conscience is completely clear. Maybe that’s why I don’t lash out or use foul language. When people have no arguments, they start yelling. They know I’m right.”
Edelstien is a backstabbing phony.
This is not a fight over fighting in the army, it’s about who is in the leadership position. You can’t have non-religious and anti-religious leading anyone who wants to be a ben torah. Not possible, not even sensical. Someone fighting in the army is receiving instructions from the non-religious. No-go.
I always wondered why the Chareudim don’t insist that they write the draft law, & if ut doesn’t pass they leave the coalition, they hold the bslance.
It doesn’t matter if they pretend to learn Torah or are even out working, it definitely is safer than joining the shmad army.