Legislation8/27/2026

Shas Will Demand Passage of a Conscription Law Before the Next Government Is Formed

Shas Knesset member and former labor minister Yoav Ben-Tzur stated that the party would make passage of a conscription law a precondition for joining a future coalition. This is a political position ahead of the elections, not a law that has been introduced or already enacted.

Key facts

•The person behind the statement: Shas Knesset member Yoav Ben-Tzur
•The platform: ynet’s “120 and One” podcast
•The condition: passage of the law before the next government is formed
•The wording of the proposed law is not specified in the source
•The law has not been introduced or enacted

What Ben-Tzur Declared

In an interview with ynet’s political podcast, “120 and One,” Ben-Tzur said that the conscription law must be passed before the next government is formed and sworn in. According to him, this position is coordinated within Shas. The wording of the future law, the timetable for advancing it, and the planned parliamentary mechanisms are not detailed in the article.

Why the Issue Became a Coalition Condition

Ben-Tzur said it had been a mistake for the ultra-Orthodox parties not to stipulate in the previous coalition agreement that the conscription law be passed before other initiatives. He also expressed regret that the version of the law from the time of Avigdor Liberman and Benny Gantz had not been adopted in the past. The report does not describe a judicial ruling or new legislation.

The Position on Service

Ben-Tzur stated that yeshiva students should be allowed to continue their studies, while anyone without a service deferment should serve. For young ultra-Orthodox men who do not study in a yeshiva, he mentioned military or national service, including the possibility of serving in the police, Fire and Rescue Services, and Magen David Adom. At the same time, he emphasized the need for conditions that would allow recruits to maintain a religious way of life.

The Political Context

Ben-Tzur said that Shas intends to remain in the right-wing bloc, which he called “the faith-based bloc,” and does not view supporting Gadi Eisenkot as the preferred option. The statement was made against the backdrop of disputes over the conscription of ultra-Orthodox men and the burden on reservists. However, the statement itself does not change the existing conscription rules or create new rights or obligations.

What this means for you

For Israeli residents, nothing changes at this stage: Shas’s statement is not law and does not replace the existing rules regarding military service and service deferments. Practical implications will arise only when a specific bill is introduced, passed by the Knesset, and enters into force; the source does not detail the content of such a proposal.

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