In a sharp opinion piece, Haaretz journalist Chaim Levinson argues that the Haredi political leadership has failed to understand the post-October 7 reality and that the urgent task is to dismantle the Haredi educational establishment, including a temporary 10-year exemption from military service to break the dependence of students on their rabbis.
The Basic Law: Torah Study, which would equate Torah study with military service, has been a central political flashpoint in recent weeks. The bill advanced through preliminary and first readings in the Knesset amid coalition infighting and public opposition. In a sharp opinion piece published Thursday, Haaretz journalist Chaim Levinson argues that the Haredi political leadership has failed to grasp the post-October 7 tectonic shift in Israeli public opinion. Levinson calls for dismantling the Haredi educational network and proposes a temporary 10-year exemption from military service for all yeshiva students as a way to break the dependence of students on their rabbis, accusing Haredi politicians of being 'fools' who believe they can restore the pre-October 7 status quo. The piece reflects growing public frustration with the Haredi legislative agenda and the broader debate over equal burden-sharing.
- DevelopingIDF chief may reconsider ban on Hesder yeshiva students serving in armored corps
- DevelopingIDF may cut pre-draft service year and extend yeshiva students' service amid fighter shortage
- StrongBarak Ravid proposes canceling IDF Hesder arrangements, drawing criticism
- StrongHaredi parties issue ultimatum to Netanyahu: pass Torah Study law or face Knesset dissolution
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