Inside the Dramatic Knesset Battle Over IDF Draft Reform
Boaz Bismuth appointed new Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chair amid ultra-Orthodox outrage and political shake-up
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A fierce political confrontation erupted Monday in the Knesset over the contentious IDF draft law, leading to the removal of Likud MK Yuli Edelstein as chair of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. The government voted 9–7 to replace him with MK Boaz Bismuth, triggering dramatic scenes during the committee's deliberations.
Former Housing Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf, who recently returned to the Knesset, delivered a passionate speech condemning what he described as the government's failure to honor coalition agreements regarding the military draft for yeshiva students.
“The very first issue we came here for was the matter of the hostages,” Goldknopf said. “Then people started talking about the draft and the Haredi public.” He proceeded to recount a symbolic story from Jewish history about a rabbi in Siberia who tried to ransom a fellow Jew before Passover - drawing a parallel to the current draft debate and the values of pikuach nefesh (saving a life) and pidyon shvuyim (redeeming captives).
“I've met with many hostage families,” he continued. “Three days after the war began, I visited Be'eri, Nahal Oz, and Re'im. As Minister of Housing, I saw it all. And still, we asked to maintain the existing arrangement for yeshiva students, the same one Ben-Gurion signed onto—that those whose sole occupation is Torah study are exempt from IDF service.”
Goldknopf strongly criticized what he perceived as disrespect toward the ultra-Orthodox contribution to Israeli society. “Every Haredi family has someone serving,” he said. “My nephew is on the front lines in Gaza. My grandson is serving too. We’re not evading service - we’re fulfilling it in different ways. We want to maintain the sacred Torah study that sustains this nation.”
He took aim at outgoing committee chair Edelstein: “He didn’t recognize the thousands of Haredim helping the wounded on October 7. But we were there - volunteering with Magen David Adom, with United Hatzalah. You ignore us. You say we’re worth nothing.”
Goldknopf concluded: “We’re here for the State of Israel, the people of Israel, and the land of Israel. Just like the soldiers on the front lines, those learning Torah day and night must be protected and allowed to continue.”
Edelstein's Response: “I Personally Prevented Institutional Draft Dodging”
Ousted committee chair Yuli Edelstein responded with a firm statement to reservists and lawmakers: “From day one, I made clear: there won’t be a fake draft law on my watch. I received countless requests to publish the law's text - but without a majority, there was no law to show.”
Edelstein emphasized that he never attacked anyone personally, despite facing accusations and hostility: “I’ve never been known for Haredi-bashing, and I’m not starting now.”
He added: “I fought for a fair draft law. But the Haredi leadership refused to engage. Removing me won’t change the facts. This vote is the final nail in the coffin of the draft law. But I will not abandon the reservists. I promise to continue the fight - inside or outside the committee.”
Bismuth Takes Over Amid Tension
Incoming chair Boaz Bismuth struck a conciliatory tone: “I take on this role with a sense of sacred responsibility, during a war that demands national unity. We must rise above our deep disagreements and serve the people and the land.”
He acknowledged political divides but emphasized unity: “We, the elected officials, represent a spectrum of views. But that’s not a weakness. It's our strength - when we use it to work together.”
Supreme Court Intervenes in Attorney General Dismissal
In a parallel development, the High Court of Justice issued an emergency injunction shortly before the committee vote, halting the government’s decision to fire Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. The court set a 30-day window to hear petitions challenging the legality of her dismissal.