"It is possible to combine Torah and the army," said Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich in a message to the haredi Jewish community during a speech at the National Religious Sector Managers' Conference in Eilat on Wednesday.
"This great enterprise of the Hesder Yeshivas, which proves that it is possible to combine Torah and the army, places a very great demand on our ultra-Orthodox brothers as well. We need you, Israel's security needs you, and the people of Israel need you with us with this great privilege of helping Israel in a time of need," said Smotrich.
"A great deal of Torah and fear of God is possible, along with responsibility, carrying a burden, and military service. We will do it together, and we are determined to do it," he added.
Avigdor Liberman sends a message to the High Court of Justice
Earlier Wednesday, Yisrael Beytenu Chairman, MK Avigdor Liberman sent a preemptive message to the High Court of Justice before it met to discuss the haredi draft bill.
"I expect the High Court not to agree to all of Netanyahu's attempts and tricks, which are intended solely for the purpose of jumping over the legal hurdle," he said.
אני מצפה מבג״ץ לא להיעתר לכל הניסיונות וההתחכמויות של נתניהו, שנועדו אך ורק במטרה לדלג מעל המשוכה המשפטית.לנתניהו אין שום כוונה אמיתית לחוקק חוק גיוס שוויוני, ולכן אני מצפה מבית המשפט העליון לפסוק פסק דין המורה לכל צעיר בהגיעו לגיל 18 להתייצב לשירות צבאי או אזרחי, בלי שטיקים,…
— אביגדור ליברמן (@AvigdorLiberman) March 27, 2024
"Netanyahu has no real intention of enacting an equal conscription law, and therefore, I expect the High Court of Justice to issue a ruling ordering every young man to report for military or civilian service upon reaching the age of 18, without tricks and without political arrangements. The State of Israel should not continue to finance those who choose not to bear the burden - the era of suckers is over," said Liberman.