Netanyahu's statement on exemption from conscription for Torah scholars is a clarifying moment | Dan Perry
Dan Perry analyzes Netanyahu's statement on exemption from conscription for Torah scholars, arguing it is a deception that supports the existing arrangement. Perry warns of severe demographic and economic consequences and calls for fundamental change including core studies and military service.
Dan Perry analyzes Netanyahu's statement that the world of Torah must be preserved but those who do not study will be drafted. Perry argues this is a deception, as Netanyahu actually supports the exemption from conscription for Torah scholars, as he promised the ultra-Orthodox parties when forming the coalition in 2022. The article describes the scope of the problem: tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox of draft age outside the system, and warns of severe demographic and economic consequences. Perry calls for fundamental change including mandatory core studies and military or national service, and criticizes right-wing politicians who support the current arrangement. He notes that the roots of the arrangement lie in Ben-Gurion's agreement with a limited number of yeshiva students, and that Menachem Begin significantly expanded it.