Netanyahu and Edelstein Reportedly Meet Over Delayed Charedi Draft Bill

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is reportedly holding a meeting with Likud MK Yuli Edelstein, who heads the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, to address the legislation regarding Charedi enlistment in the IDF.

According to Channel 12, the discussion comes in response to growing pressure from the Charedi factions within Netanyahu’s coalition, who are demanding immediate progress on the long-stalled bill. Netanyahu’s coalition was nearly brought down by Charedi lawmakers over the issue last month, but the Members of Knesset were reportedly given assurances that a solution to the issue would be reached, including softening penalties for those who do not enlist.

The revised bill was originally scheduled for a vote in the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee this week, but was abruptly pulled from the agenda. The delay has further inflamed tensions with Shas and United Torah Judaism, who are now boycotting coalition votes to protest the ongoing lack of a solution.