Eisenkot Rejects 30% Haredi Exemption, Pledges Universal Service Law

In a Channel 12 interview, Gadi Eisenkot rejected Yashar candidate Yoram Cohen's suggestion that up to 30% of eligible Haredi men could receive exemptions. Eisenkot said his proposed law would require every Israeli citizen to perform military, national or civil service, while allowing exemptions for 3% of each cohort's exceptional Torah scholars and talents in science, music and sports. He said he would not compromise on the principle even if another election resulted. Yashar's published platform describes equal, one-year Torah-study deferments for up to 3% of the annual cohort.