Shas chairman Aryeh Deri told the party faction Monday that the violent arrests of yeshiva students must stop and informed the coalition chairman that Shas will not support any coalition legislation until a law freezing such arrests and a Basic Law: Torah Study pass, according to Amit Segal (N12).
Shas chairman Aryeh Deri escalated the coalition crisis over Haredi conscription Monday, threatening to withhold support for all coalition legislation unless two laws advance: a halt to arrests of yeshiva students who avoid draft service, and a Basic Law enshrining Torah study.
Deri's statement at the party faction meeting — "The violent arrests of Torah learners must stop" — comes as tensions over enforcement of the draft law have simmered for weeks. The push follows an earlier agreement among coalition leaders in mid-June to advance both bills before the Knesset disperses, though that pledge has yet to produce legislation.
The demand creates a direct test of coalition discipline. With no commitment yet from Prime Minister Netanyahu or Likud to fast-track Deri's bills, the Shas ultimatum could stall other coalition initiatives.
3 developments
- StrongShas leader Deri demands Torah Study Basic Law vote as condition for coalition support
- DevelopingCoalition leaders agree: Basic Law Torah Study and freeze on draft-dodger arrests to pass before Knesset disperses
- DevelopingShas: no votes for coalition legislation unless draft-evader arrests end
- StrongDeri attacks Likud, says Arab MKs value Torah more than some coalition lawmakers
Source and signal
- Internal intake