Government Secretary Yossi Fuchs told the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Tuesday that if military enlistment of Haredim is enforced by coercion, the entire Haredi public will become like the extremist Jerusalem faction, saying his prophecy has fulfilled itself. The remarks came during a discussion on a bill to cancel arrests of Haredi draft-dodgers, according to Knesset correspondent.
Government Secretary Yossi Fuchs warned Tuesday during a Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee meeting that coercive enforcement of Haredi military conscription could drive the entire ultra-Orthodox public to emulate the extremist Jerusalem faction (the 'Jerusalem faction' — a radical Haredi group known for violent resistance to the draft). In remarks cited by a Knesset correspondent, Fuchs reportedly said: 'If this conscription event is done by coercion, the entire Haredi public will become the Jerusalem faction; unfortunately my prophecy has fulfilled itself.' The discussion centered on a bill to cancel arrest warrants issued against Haredi draft-dodgers. While other officials, including Finance Minister Smotrich, have previously urged dialogue and warned against harsh enforcement, Fuchs' statement represents the most senior government administration official's direct warning about radicalization. The bill under debate seeks to halt criminal proceedings against Haredi men who refuse enlistment, reflecting deep coalition divisions over how to handle growing non-compliance.
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