Breaking

Gadi Eisenkot has pledged that the opposition will ‘not surrender’ on the issue of military conscription for all citizens as coalition negotiations continue. According to Times of Israel and Jerusalem Post reporting, Eisenkot stated: ‘We are committed to service for all citizens. We will not surrender on the issue of service. We will not surrender our flags or principles.’

The statement comes amid ongoing talks with the Haredi ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism (UTJ) party, which is demanding preservation of religious status quo and exemptions from military service for religious students. Eisenkot’s Yesh Atid party and other opposition bloc members are committed to universal military service requirements.

Eisenkot has also promised a new government will be formed as soon as possible, though significant obstacles remain in negotiations, particularly regarding the conscription issue and potential reliance on Arab parties for coalition support. Avigdor Liberman has dismissed the option of including Arab parties in any coalition arrangement.

Sources: Ynet, Walla, www.israelhayom.co.il, Times of Israel, Jerusalem Post