For the first time last night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he would not hesitate to hold elections if his coalition partners try to pressure him. He said that Israel's economy and defense had been functioning well in recent years, thanks to the government's stability, but if his coalition partners made demands on various issues, such as conscription of haredim (ultra-orthodox Jews) under the "Tal Law", or the budget, he would not surrender to extortion.
Before today's cabinet meeting, Netanyahu will met with representatives of the "suckers camp", who are demanding an equal IDF draft. He told the representatives, led by Boaz Noi. "The division of the burden must be changed," said Netanyahu. "The Tal Law will be replaced by a more egalitarian and just law, and I will submit it. The new law will also include civilian service for Arabs. This must be done without setting public against public."
Minister of Foreign Affairs Avigdor Liberman yesterday hinted that he would dismantle the coalition if the government did not support a Yisrael Beitenu bill on the Tal Law, which will come up for a vote on May 9. "We're a responsible party that has done everything to preserve the coalition. The best date for elections is the original date, but we're not hostagesת," he said.
"The ruling party promised to settle the issue of conversion within three months of its establishment, but three years have passed. Our commitment to the coalition is over, and there is a commitment to the voter. We're heading for crunch time. In ten days, we'll submit an alternative to the Tal Law in the Knesset, after which we'll see where we're going, and when. Draft for all - we're going to vote on this. Draft for all also means for the haredim and minorities, and we won't concede to anyone. If they won't compromise with us, we're going for a decision. I hope that the haredi parties will accept this."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on April 29, 2012
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