A Dilemma from Hell
Aryeh Ehrlich analyzes the Haredi dilemma regarding Lieberman's compromise proposal on conscription: should they trust the man who has made the fight against Haredim his life's work, or is it a political ploy? On the other hand, should they reject an opportunity to regulate the status of yeshiva students solely because of its source? The author weighs the heavy price of breaking away from the right-wing bloc against the conscription crisis.
Aryeh Ehrlich, editor of 'Mishpacha' magazine, analyzes in an opinion column the dilemma facing the Haredi parties: Avigdor Lieberman, described as 'the greatest persecutor of Haredim in Israeli politics,' has signaled a willingness to compromise on the conscription law in exchange for forming a government without Netanyahu. The author asks whether the proposal is serious or a political ploy to dismantle the right-wing bloc, and on the other hand, whether an opportunity to regulate the status of yeshiva students can be rejected solely because of its source. He notes that Netanyahu promised regulation but the crisis has worsened, and that the legal system will now flow toward a compromise. The dilemma also includes the heavy price of breaking away from the traditional faith-based bloc and sitting in a government with Yair Golan, Gilad Kariv, and Naama Lazimi, which could endanger the Sabbath and the Jewish character of the state. The author concludes by asking whether it is right to conduct a painful political analysis in exchange for a promise whose coverage is still unclear.