Israel Proposes Extending Military Service Enforcement Deadline for Boys Aged Two years and Eight Months to Three Years. The ministers will vote on Sunday.
Local Ynet news outlet has the development that if approved by ministers, the three-year rule will last a further eight years. This is taking place amidst an ongoing war against Hamas and an ongoing government debate over legislation seeking to conscript males of ultra-Orthodox community.
In Gaza, Reuters reports Israeli military commanders say they need more manpower to continue fighting Hamas militants while in Lebanon it needs more forces for Hezbollah fighters
Military service will revert back to its present duration of 32 months after the extension is over.
The watchdog group Campaign for Quality Government criticized in strong terms the decision to extend active duty soldiers’ military service as a “shameful” one.
According to Times of Israel critics argue that the proposed bill would effectively allow large numbers of ultra orthodox Jewish students avoid being drafted into the army.
In a statement released by the organization, calling it “cynical and cynical step”, claimed that extending active duty soldiers time without recruiting Orthodox members, “is an immoral injustice towards those warriors who bear burden of war.” The statement pointed out estimated 63 thousand orthodox men eligible for draft and called on government not to proceed with this plan but rather concentrate on expanding services provided for already serving soldiers.
The extension’s progress was delayed due to differences between Minister Yoav Gallant’s defense ministry, referred to by Naoto Kan’s public broadcaster. According to the Times of Israel, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich had discussed it with him.
