Shas joins Torah Judaism in avoiding Tal Law alternative

Shas joined Torah Judaism on Tuesday and announced it was boycotting a committee appointed by the government to formulate an alternative to a controversial law that exempts Israel's most religious men from service in the military. After consulting Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, party chair Eli Yishai said Shas would not appoint a representative to the committee charged with finding an alternative to the Tal Law, which is due to expire this summer.

The Tal Law was initially created in 2002 to encourage young ultra-Orthodox men to enlist in the Israel Defense Forces voluntarily, but has failed to increase the number who do so in any significant way.

"Those who study Torah will not negotiate over quotas and their basic right to study the Torah. Their contribution to the Jewish people and the State of Israel is well-known and clear to every faithful Jew," Yishai said.

Shas MKs said the party would soon formulate its own solution to the issue of sharing the burden of military service, and would present it to the public.

In February, Israel’s politicians were taken by surprise when the Tal Law was deemed unconstitutional and annulled by the High Court. In a majority ruling of six to three, the panel of judges headed by former Chief Justice Dorit Beinisch ruled that the law could not be extended in its current form after its expiration at the end of July. The court ruled that an alternative should be presented.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak suggested extending the law for one year, during which an alternative proposal would be formulated. Barak said 2,000 to 3,000 "Torah prodigies" should be allowed to continue their studies, but all other ultra-Orthodox youth should take part in military or national service and then join the workforce.

Several parties, including Yisrael Beitenu, headed by Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, have submitted proposals that would require all citizens of eligible age to be drafted into the IDF or complete a term in a national or civilian service program.

The announcement by Shas came on the heels of a similar announcement by the Ashkenazi ultra-Orthodox Torah Judaism party, publicized by Israel Hayom on Tuesday. "We cannot take an active part in a committee whose purpose is to remove yeshiva students from their yeshivas. This negates our ideals," a senior Torah Judaism party member said.

Yishai's statement angered many among the ultra-Orthodox, who claimed this was part of the ongoing capitulation of the Sephardic ultra-Orthodox communities to their Ashkenazic counterparts.

Former Shas MK Haim Amsalem condemned the move and said, "Shas once again proved that it is a satellite party of the Ashkenazic extremists. All of its political power, which is mainly derived from Zionists who serve [in the IDF] and work for a living, is being used to help a zealous and divisive ideology. I call on the parties formulating the new law to listen to the silent majority of the ultra-Orthodox public, which wants to be integrated in society and share the burden, and not to the ultra-Orthodox businessmen and extremists."

On Tuesday, Former Mossad chief and head of the Yesh Sikui (“There is a Chance”) movement, Meir Dagan, discussed the issue of drafting ultra-Orthodox men, saying, "There is a great opportunity right now for the government, which is not dependent on any particular party. I would be glad to support the prime minister and [Vice Prime Minister Shaul] Mofaz if they bring about a change in the method of government and approve military service for all."

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