It happened last week. The regular Thursday evening Diplomatic-Security Cabinet meeting was postponed in favor of a discussion on the issue of Haredi conscription. The headlines focused on the public announcement by Minister Benny Gantz that he would not attend the discussion because he did not want to be "part of the political charade" in his words, but the real headlines took place in the discussion itself.
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The Coalition knows what it wants to do with the conscription law. There will be no new magic bullet, no significant reversal, at age 18 so that the IDF can pick and choose who it wants to recruit. The language will be the same as it was in previous years, with words such as targets, quotas, and sanctions.
Yet, compared to previous years, it seems that those present in the rooms where the bill is being drafted have a very good understanding of the atmosphere outside, and are going much further than ever before. Details such as raising the exemption age, or far-reaching economic sanctions as were first published this week on the pages of this newspaper, are dramatic steps.
Nevertheless, and despite the chance that the Supreme Court will accept those changes, Netanyahu is left with one big problem – Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The ultimatum set by Gallant, whereby he will only support a conscription law that Benny Gantz supports, poses a difficulty that could blow up the issue of conscription, and ultimately even lead to elections.
Back to last Thursday's discussion. Prime Minister Netanyahu and his allies were outraged with Gallant. At one point, Netanyahu made an offer to Gallant. "I understand that this is a law that you are supposed to bring and be signed on as the defense minister, but I will not let you take the heat alone, I will bring the proposal as prime minister and you just have to support it," he told Gallant, but the latter would not budge.
Shas leader Aryeh Deri tried to persuade Gallant, speaking in high and heartfelt tones: "Yoav, what do you want to happen?! Gantz does not agree to anything. Come on, tell us what you want. No problem, we are with you, but what do you propose? Gantz has not agreed to anything. What should we do?!"
Gallant suggested that the prime minister be the one to bring the bill proposal and he (Gallant) would oppose it. This angered everyone present in the room. "What kind of thing is that?!" Deri raged.
This proposal by Gallant has angered not only Netanyahu and Levin but also the other parties involved in formulating the conscription bill, and the leadership in general. One does not need to be a veteran politician or political commentator to understand that having a vote on the Haredi conscription bill during a time of war while the defense minister opposes it will provoke widespread public outrage. In an atmosphere where every minor legislation triggers backbench anger in Likud, passing a conscription law is hopeless.
Video: IDF Spokesperson talks about humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip / Credit: X/@idf
Netanyahu, Deri, and Justice Minister Yariv Levin are furious. They see Gallant as someone who is playing politics at their expense. If Gallant fundamentally opposes the legislation, let him fight it with all his might. But suggesting that the prime minister bring the law so that he could oppose it seems to them like a political maneuver in which Gallant is essentially just keeping himself from getting dirty with the complicated decisions. They accuse him of being busy maintaining a pure and clean image by taking an oppositional stance to Netanyahu, making things difficult for the Haredim.
And despite the anger, it is clear to everyone that Netanyahu's ammunition is spent. It is impossible to fire Gallant. You do not fire a defense minister in the middle of a war, especially not after the last attempt last year that ended in large protests and a backdown. Netanyahu knows this and is cornered. Gallant knows this and is calm.
The rift between the prime minister and the defense minister has never been wider. In the first months of the war, it was said that they had enough of a rapport to work together. But the tension between them is increasing. It is also seeping into the room of the mini-cabinet. According to those present at the discussions, it has not yet affected the decisions, as they are made unanimously, but the "working environment" is becoming more suspicious and toxic.
To the existing question marks regarding Gallant's attitude towards the conscription law, one can perhaps add the timing of his upcoming trip to the US. The government must approve a government decision on the issue of Haredi conscription in the coming days so that it could present the Supreme Court with a formulated response. In an interesting coincidence, the defense minister will depart on Sunday for a 72-hour visit to the US. Coincidental or planned? Gallant has the answers.
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