Deri demands haredi draft law as condition for next government

MK Arye Deri, the head of Shas, has declared that his party will not join or support Israel's upcoming government unless legislation is passed to regulate the military service status of haredi yeshiva students. This demand was made in an interview with the haredi news outlet Kikar HaShabbat and comes as the October 27 Knesset election draws nearer.

Deri stated that Shas will not support any government with their participation unless the status of yeshiva students is regulated. This declaration has placed the issue of haredi military enlistment at the forefront of coalition negotiations, even before the Israeli public casts their votes. The political landscape in Israel is divided over whether yeshiva students should continue to be exempt from IDF service.