MK silenced on law exempting haredim from IDF
Labor's Ami Ayalon (Labor) tries to bring up the issue of Tal law, which allows exemption of ultra-Orthodox from serving in the military before Knesset, but is silenced by coalition. Apparently, Olmert's coalition negotiations with United Torah Judaism who support the law take precedence
MK Ami Ayalon (Labor) faced domestic opposition on Tuesday after trying to bring up the issue of the Tal law which was upheld by the High Court a few days ago. The Tal law exempts ultra-Orthodox from mandatory service in the IDF. Coalition administrators firmly refused to discuss the issue and Ayalon's initiative was torpedoed.
Ayalon's initiative was crushed the same day that Defense Minister and Labor Party Chairman Amir Peretz said regarding the Tal law, "inequality is unhealthy; not only when it comes to service in the IDF, but also for society as a whole."
Olmert prefers not to meddle with Tal law
Ayalon, for his part, said, "The coalition agreement between Kadima and Shas does not obligate Labor, and there is no rhyme or reason that a Labor member will object to putting the issue on the agenda.
“The Tal law, in its current state, is immoral and inappropriate."
Kadima on the other hand has projected vagueness on the matter, awaiting Olmert's return from his scheduled visit to the United States so he may continue his coalition negotiations with United Torah Judaism. The UTJ party, in turn, is waiting for the return of its spiritual leading rabbis from a trip abroad and for the Sages Council to convene and give its recommendations.
So, in light of the recent developments, Olmert prefers not to meddle with the Tal law and wait for the coalition negotiations with UTJ to take shape and reach a compromising agreement. The hope is that Justice Minister Haim Ramon will be able to set forth an amendment to the Tal law that will be acceptable by the Ultra-Orthodox parties.
