- Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has issued a stern warning regarding the government's handling of Haredi draft enforcement.
- According to reports, the government has failed to take the necessary 'first step' in creating policies to enforce the enlistment of ultra-Orthodox citizens.
- This failure is described as 'emptying of meaning' the principle of judicial review.
- The Attorney General's stance suggests that the current administration is actively violating a High Court order.
Quick Summary
Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has declared that the Israeli government is violating a High Court order regarding the military enlistment of ultra-Orthodox citizens. The statement highlights a critical failure by the government to establish enforcement policies, which the AG argues undermines the principle of judicial review. By failing to act, the government is effectively 'emptying of meaning' the court's decision. The Attorney General further warned that this inaction places the country in a 'real danger' regarding its democratic integrity. The controversy centers on the enforcement of conscription laws and the government's obligation to comply with judicial rulings.
Failure to Implement Enforcement Policies
Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has criticized the government for its lack of action concerning the Haredi draft. According to the report, the government has failed to take the 'first step' required to create specific enforcement policies. These policies are essential for ensuring that ultra-Orthodox men enlist in the military, a requirement that has been the subject of intense political and legal debate. Without these measures, the legal mandate for enlistment remains effectively unenforced.
The absence of a concrete enforcement mechanism renders the court's ruling ineffective. The Attorney General's office argues that this inaction is not merely a delay but a fundamental failure to uphold the law. By neglecting to establish these policies, the government is accused of bypassing its legal responsibilities.
failed to take 'first step' in creating enforcement policies for ultra-Orthodox enlistment— Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara
Undermining Judicial Review ⚖️
A central point of the Attorney General's criticism is the concept of judicial review. The report states that the government's failure to act is 'emptying of meaning' this fundamental principle. Judicial review relies on the executive branch's compliance with court rulings to function effectively. When the government ignores a High Court order, it weakens the authority of the judiciary.
This conflict highlights a growing tension between the government and the legal establishment. The AG's statement suggests that the current approach sets a dangerous precedent for the rule of law. If the government can selectively ignore court orders without consequence, the checks and balances system is compromised.
Threat to Democracy 🗳️
Baharav-Miara characterized the government's stance as placing the nation in a 'real danger' to democracy. This strong language underscores the severity with which the Attorney General views the situation. The warning implies that the issue extends beyond military conscription to the health of the democratic system itself. Upholding the law and respecting judicial decisions are pillars of a functioning democracy.
The refusal to enforce the draft order against the ultra-Orthodox sector, despite a court mandate, is viewed as an erosion of democratic norms. The AG's intervention serves as a formal objection to what is perceived as an overreach or negligence by the legislative and executive branches regarding their legal obligations.
Conclusion
The statement by Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara serves as a significant legal and political rebuke of the government's handling of the Haredi draft issue. By accusing the government of violating a High Court order and endangering democracy, the AG has escalated the dispute. The core issue remains the government's failure to implement enforcement policies, which has led to the 'emptying of meaning' of judicial review. Moving forward, the government faces pressure to align its actions with the court's ruling to restore the integrity of the legal system.
"emptying of meaning' the principle of judicial review"
— Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara
"in 'real danger' to democracy"
— Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Attorney General accusing the government of?
The Attorney General is accusing the government of violating a High Court order regarding the draft of ultra-Orthodox citizens and failing to create necessary enforcement policies.
Why does the Attorney General say this endangers democracy?
The AG argues that the government's failure to enforce the court order 'empties of meaning' the principle of judicial review, which is a fundamental component of a democratic system.
