The draft ball is in Lieberman's court
Opinion: A majority of Israelis would like to see ultra-Orthodox share the load of military service, but their leaders are adamant this will not come to pass and only one man has the power to subvert their will
It is an issue most Israelis from all sides of the political spectrum agree on. Though it cannot happen overnight, the majority agrees, change is imperative. The ultra-Orthodox must share the load and serve in the military like everyone else.
After the Supreme Court ruled against earlier legislation attempts, because of their inherent inequality, a new proposed induction law passed its initial stages in the outgoing Knesset.
It is far from ideal. Still, a compromise was reached with the active support of the defense establishment, lead by Avigdor Lieberman.
But ultra-Orthodox politicians remain opposed to the bill. They are now in position to foil the formation of a new government, or bring it down.
The election campaign provided more time to legislate, but that will run out in July and if no bill is passed, there will be no exemption for Yeshiva students and they will all be required to serve.
This is not an acceptable option for their parliamentary representatives.
A violent minority leads the fight. They can wreak havoc in Jerusalem and elsewhere, clash with police, and block traffic. No threat of arrest will stop them and they will sweep their entire camp into the fight.
Criminal prosecution of draft dodgers is unlikely and economic sanctions, though the only remaining option to coerce ultra-Orthodox to serve, will never pass.
Avigdor Lieberman, who ran on equal draft laws for all, is left with the mission to force the change his voters and much of the public call for. The ball is in his court.
