Yesh Atid petitions court over haredi draft exemption

Yair Lapid files High Court of Justice motion to suspend government's new draft guidelines for ultra-Orthodox youths; says party 'won't allow public, court to be ignored'

Aviel Magnezi|Published: 12.10.12 , 10:32

Yesh Atid Chairman Yair Lapid filed a petition with the High Court of Justice Monday over the government's decision to prolong the IDF draft exemption given to ultra-Orthodox youths in favor of 1,300 National Service positions.

The government voted on the new draft guidelines following the expiration of Tal Law. The amendment stands to be in effect until August of 2013. Its brief said it aims "To preserve trust vis-à-vis the haredi sector and prevent a shortage of National Service volunteers."

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The move met harsh criticism from across the political spectrum.

Lapid called the government decision "A disgraceful attempt to ignore the public as well as the High Court's ruling and Yesh Atid will not stand for it.

"This decision stems from the most invalid political motives. It's inconceivable that the haredi parties and the prime minister will flout the rule of law like this. We will not be party to a government that deferres the haredi draft."

According to Lapid, "It's inconceivable that (the government) will differentiate blood from blood."

The petition states that the government's decision, which was based on recommendations by Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Science and Technology Minister Daniel Hershkowitz, "Has made a mockery of the court's ruling.

"This decision means to circumvent the High Court of Justice… It does nothing more than perpetuate the longtime discrimination of the serving public.

"This is the result of considerations foreign to issue, and it stems from invalid, crooked political motives meant to preserve the coalition with the haredi parties."

Lapid said Sunday that Yesh Atid "Will make sure that this is the last time that political blackmail bends the rule of law."