Shas Links 2026 Budget to Haredi Draft Exemption

The political party Shas has announced it will oppose the 2026 national budget unless the coalition government passes a bill regarding Haredi draft exemptions. This stance follows a statement by the Deputy Attorney General criticizing the government for ignoring a High Court order concerning sanctions for draft dodgers.

The conflict centers on mandatory military service requirements for yeshiva students. Tensions rose significantly when Shas leader Yitzhak Goldknopf compared the proposed penalties for these students to the 'yellow star.' The coalition now faces a significant hurdle in passing the budget, contingent on resolving the dispute over the draft exemption legislation.

The political party Shas has formally declared its intention to oppose the 2026 budget. This opposition is conditional upon the coalition passing specific legislation. The required bill concerns draft exemptions for Haredi yeshiva students. Without this legislative action, Shas will not support the national budget.

This ultimatum places significant pressure on the governing coalition. Budget passage requires a majority vote, and the loss of Shas support could jeopardize the government's ability to pass the budget. The party is leveraging its position to ensure the passage of the draft exemption bill.

The Deputy Attorney General has issued a strong rebuke regarding the government's handling of military service requirements. The criticism focuses on the government's failure to adhere to a High Court order. Specifically, the court mandated the implementation of sanctions against individuals who evade the draft.

The government has been accused of ignoring this judicial directive. The sanctions are intended to enforce compliance with mandatory military service laws. The administration's reluctance to apply these penalties has drawn legal scrutiny and fueled the current political standoff.

Shas leader Yitzhak Goldknopf sparked controversy with his remarks regarding the draft penalties. He explicitly compared the sanctions facing yeshiva students to the 'yellow star.' This historical reference has drawn attention to the severity with which the Haredi community views the proposed penalties.

Goldknopf's statement underscores the deep opposition within the Haredi sector to mandatory conscription. By invoking such a potent historical symbol, the Shas leader highlights the perceived targeting of yeshiva students. The comparison serves to galvanize opposition against the enforcement of draft orders.

The core of the dispute lies in the clash between High Court rulings and legislative desires. The court has upheld the requirement for sanctions against draft dodgers. However, the coalition, pressured by Shas, seeks to pass a law that would exempt Haredi students from these requirements.

Key points of contention include:

• The legal validity of the High Court's order versus proposed new legislation.
• The specific nature of the sanctions to be applied to draft dodgers.
• The political necessity of maintaining the coalition while satisfying judicial mandates.

The government must navigate these complex legal and political waters to secure the 2026 budget.