Israel needs a draft law that will uphold the principle of civic equality

Now is the time to rise above petty politics and pass a draft law that will uphold the principle of civic equality in Israel.

Illustration | Flash 90

The High Court of Justice yesterday (Tuesday) limited the time frame within which the government must pass legislation regulating the draft of the ultra-Orthodox to the IDF. This development brings to the fore our leaders’ responsibility to take courageous action at this time. It is time to pass a draft law that will uphold civic equality in Israel.

In a statement issued, Yohanan Plesner, President of the Israel Democracy Institute said that “since the Draft Law (“Tal Law”), was struck down by the High Court of Justice (2012) on the grounds of a violation of the principle of equality, the attempts to promote an alternative solution have met with public indifference and widespread distrust, deriving from the public’s lack of faith in politicians’ motivations and their ability to fairly and effectively resolve this issue. If this perception continues to take hold and entrenches itself, we risk alienating future generations of motivated young people, who come from population groups serving in the IDF, and who will refuse to continue to carry this burden alone.”

Plesner added that “the High Court of Justice’s limited extension to the government to pass legislation regulating the draft of the ultra-Orthodox draft, highlights the need to take courageous action, which will shape the future of the “People’s Army” and ensure Israel’s long-term security. As long as politicians are willing to cut a deal to legitimize sweeping exemption from the draft, Israel’s long-term security will be dealt a serious blow. Now is the time to rise above petty politics and pass a draft law that will uphold the principle of civic equality in Israel.”