Eisenkot stands by mandatory service after Liberman opens door to ultra-Orthodox parties

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1. 30m ago

   Eisenkot Sticks to Mandatory Service Amid Liberman Draft Shift

   Israeli opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot continues to stand by mandatory military service requirements even as political ally Avigdor Liberman shifts his stance to allow for compromises regarding ultra-Orthodox IDF draft exemptions. Liberman signaled flexibility on Haredi enlistment conditions in an effort to build a governing coalition and oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu without relying on a minority government backed by Arab parties. While coalition talks progress and the newly elected parliament is sworn in following inconclusive elections, Haredi parties have welcomed the reversal although a formal coalition agreement remains unassured.

   Why it matters

   The dispute over military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Israelis has long divided the political establishment and remains a central obstacle in forming a stable governing coalition. Avigdor Liberman previously campaigned aggressively against these exemptions, making his recent willingness to compromise a major tactical shift designed to secure a non-Netanyahu government. Meanwhile, former top general Gadi Eisenkot leads the opposition push to unseat the incumbent prime minister following the recent legislative election.

   What is confirmed

   • Gadi Eisenkot stands by mandatory military service following Avigdor Liberman's shift on ultra-Orthodox draft compromises.
   • Avigdor Liberman signalled flexibility on Haredi draft exemptions in an effort to form a government without Benjamin Netanyahu.
   • Israel's 26th Knesset was sworn in on Tuesday following national elections that produced no clear winner.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Haredi parties are reportedly revelling in Lieberman's U-turn on the draft, though this does not yet assure a completed coalition agreement.

   What to watch next

   • Further developments in coalition negotiations between Eisenkot, Liberman, and potential partners
   • Formal agreements or rejections regarding Haredi enlistment compromises in government guidelines
   Sources used for this update (18)

   1. www.timesofisrael.com — The Times of Israel | News from Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish ...
   2. www.cnn.com — Gadi Eisenkot: What to know about the main challenger to ...
   3. www.dailysabah.com — Saudi-led coalition thwarts wave of Houthi attacks on kingdom
   4. Haaretz — Lieberman signals flexibility on Haredi draft to form gov't without Netanyahu
   5. Yahoo — Israel opposition eases on ultra-Orthodox draft to oust Netanyahu
   6. The Jerusalem Post — Avigdor Liberman must be flexible to form government without Benjamin Netanyahu
   7. The Times of Israel — Liberman backs ‘painful’ compromise on Haredi enlistment, after years fighting against their exemption
   8. France 24 — Israel's Eisenkot claims 'progress' in coalition talks as opposition eases on ultra-Orthodox draft
   9. Ynetnews — 'I'll fight draft exemptions even as a civilian': ex-Likud rebel faces déjà vu as Liberman reverses course
   10. The Jerusalem Post — Avigdor Liberman issues coalition conditions, allowing for haredi IDF draft compromises
   11. The Times of Israel — Eisenkot stands by mandatory service after Liberman opens door to ultra-Orthodox parties
   12. Ynetnews — Eisenkot's path to power challenged as Liberman rejects minority government backed by Arab parties
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