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Lapid Threatens to Bar Non‑Serving Israelis From Voting and State Funds

The opposition leader revived a pledge targeting ultra‑Orthodox draft exemptions after a similar proposal failed earlier this year.

Overview

  • Yair Lapid said that in a future government he would advance a law under which “whoever does not come to induction, will not come to the polls,” criticizing plans to formalize yeshiva deferments.
  • He added that those who do not enlist “will not receive one shekel from the State,” linking disenfranchisement with a cutoff of public funding.
  • Lapid noted that Yesh Atid previously supported a similar measure that was rejected and vowed to reintroduce it.
  • He framed the stance as an invitation to join the “Israeli story,” asserting that unequal obligations should mean unequal rights, while ultra‑Orthodox leaders denounced the proposal.
  • UTJ MK Yisroel Eichler answered with a sarcastic call to apply such limits to all who did not serve in combat roles, and no law has changed as the proposal remains a political threat rather than enacted policy.