Slabodka rosh yeshiva Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch has stepped back from his earlier resistance to moving forward with the Draft Law, bringing an end to a period in which the legislation was effectively delayed due to his concerns about its potential impact on yeshiva bochurim.

Rav Hirsch had initially been in favor of the bill, but later withdrew his support after legal advisors introduced revisions that, in his view, could result in stricter penalties for chareidim who do not enlist.

According to a report by Channel 12 News, Knesset members from the Degel HaTorah faction within United Torah Judaism—who act in accordance with Rav Hirsch’s guidance—worked to convince him to back the legislation. They maintained that failure to pass the bill at this stage could leave chareidi men vulnerable to even tougher consequences, including cuts in government funding and the possibility of arrests.

The MKs also cautioned that if the law does not go through, there could be growing frustration among chareidi voters, potentially leading to lower turnout in the upcoming elections.

Following these discussions, Rav Hirsch agreed to remove his opposition, contingent on the position of Slabodka rosh yeshiva Rav Dov Landau.

“Go to Rav Landau; if he approves, I will not oppose it,” he stated. Sources within the chareidi political sphere believe there is a strong likelihood that Rav Landau will give his backing to the move.

Separately, Degel HaTorah chairman MK Moshe Gafni met at length on Sunday with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. During their conversation, the prime minister indicated that should the leading rabbonim give their approval, the coalition is prepared to move the Draft Law forward for a vote before the elections take place.