Haredi representative quits Plesner Cmte
Attorney Weinroth, who represents Shas and United Torah Judaism, said committee acted irresponsibly in handling sensitive issue of haredi integration
After Yisrael Beiteinu and Habayit Hayehudi, a third member quits the Plesner Committee.
Attorney Yaakov Weinroth, who is the representative of Shas and United Torah Judaism to the committee tasked with drafting an alternative to the Tal Law, announced Sunday evening that he is resigning from his post.
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Weinroth sent a letter in which he stated that the committee acted irresponsibly in handling the sensitive issue of recruiting haredim into the IDF. According to Weinroth, "Forceful actions, even if they deliver results in the short-run, are destructive in the long-run.
"In my opinion, issuing personal sanctions will put an end to the process of integrating the haredi public and create disaffection that will thwart any effort to reach a solution," he wrote.
'Sanctions will put an end to integration' (Photo: Moti Kimhi)
Earlier on Sunday, sources in the Likud said that members from Kadima and Shas parties held talks during the day in order to try to resolve differences vis-à-vis the Tal Law.
According to one of the sources, "the gaps regarding military service for haredim have diminished, however Kadima is still refusing to change their mind regarding Arab enlistment."
Interior Minister Eli Yishai told Ynet that the sides did not reach an understanding over whether to issue personal sanctions against individuals who do not enlist into the IDF. "We never agreed and will never agree to it," he said, adding that Shas won't accept personal sanctions under any circumstances.
Officials in the Plesner Committee confirmed that the two parties met, but denied that any substantial breakthrough had been reached during the talks. "The prime minister will be the one to decide," they said.
Meanwhile, Kadima Chairman Shaul Mofazhas been facing increasing pressure from his party members who want him to present Netanyahu with an ultimatum: Either the new law does not include personal sanctions on haredim unwilling to enlist, or Kadima will quit the coalition. Knesset Members who met with Mofaz on Sunday told the vice prime minister that they are considering quitting the Knesset if Kadima does not stand for its principles.
Mofaz and Prime Minister Netanyahu have yet to set a time for a meeting, but the Kadima chairman canceled his official trip to France and Britain, which was scheduled to take place mid-week, in order to personally oversee the developments surrounding the Plesner Committee recommendations.
Kobi Nahshoni contributed to this report
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