Former Minister of Education Shay Piron has presented a new recruitment outline that has intensified divisions between different communities’ opinions on conscription in Israel. Piron emphasized the importance of reaching an arrangement that is acceptable to the ultra-Orthodox community while maintaining the integrity of the government.
The new recruitment plan has sparked controversy, with Defense Minister Benny Gantz labeling it as “dangerous,” while Likud members argue that the proposal is similar to his own. Piron, on the other hand, believes that the plan should not solely focus on the ultra-Orthodox but should consider service in the IDF from a broader perspective, including Jews, Arabs, religious, and secular individuals.
Piron further emphasizes the need for national responsibility and criticizes solutions that involve adding monetary incentives in exchange for exemptions from military service. He argues that risking lives should not be bought with money and that Israel should strive for a secure future that prioritizes national security.
According to Piron’s outline, all citizens in Israel will contribute to various societal needs. The plan includes providing adjusted frameworks and diverse service and volunteering channels, tailored to the lifestyles of young men and women. It also ensures that service in the IDF receives national priority during the selection process and grants incentives and rights to the soldiers. Piron highlights the importance of investing in volunteering infrastructures and managing them through a government system that represents all communities and currents.
It is noteworthy that Piron previously established the ultra-Orthodox state education trend (MAMH) ten years ago, which allowed members of the ultra-Orthodox sector to study full core subjects within an ultra-Orthodox framework.
The conscription law preparation team, convened by Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fox, aims to present an agreed outline within two weeks, by the end of August. The team consists of representatives from the ultra-Orthodox parties, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Defense.