Gantz Threatens to Collapse Government Over Recruitment Law

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz threatened that he "would not be able to remain in the government if the recruitment bill in its current form, which exempts the Haredim from military service, is approved," according to "Yedioth Ahronoth." The Jerusalem Post reported today that Gantz warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he would resign from the government if a law continues to exempt religious Jews (Haredim) from conscription. Earlier today, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid launched a fierce attack on the government for its intention to bring the bill to a vote this week, describing it as "the evasion law." Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant reiterated his opposition to the bill, stating in comments relayed by the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation, "My position has not changed, and I will not be part of any proposal that is not agreed upon by all components of the governing coalition," adding, "The security establishment under my leadership will not present it for a vote."