Degel HaTorah has adopted a significantly tougher position on the yeshiva draft issue, joining Agudas Yisroel in demanding that all bnei yeshivos receive exemptions from IDF service without any sanctions, according to the new agreement governing the parties’ joint United Torah Judaism slate.

The agreement explicitly establishes that United Torah Judaism’s position in future coalition negotiations will be that any ben yeshiva should be exempt from military service, with no personal or other sanctions imposed as a condition of that exemption.

The provision represents a significant shift for Degel HaTorah. Until now, the party had participated in negotiations over proposed draft legislation that included personal sanctions, as part of efforts to formulate a law that could withstand judicial scrutiny.

Under the new agreement, United Torah Judaism will also refuse to support legislation in the Knesset until a law is enacted formally regulating the status of full-time Torah learners whose Torah is their occupation. Exceptions will be permitted only when authorized by the Gedolei Yisroel.

The agreement goes further by tying senior government and Knesset positions to passage of the legislation. Until the status of bnei yeshivos is resolved in law, United Torah Judaism representatives will not serve as ministers, deputy ministers or chairmen of Knesset committees.

The agreement between Agudas Yisroel and Degel HaTorah also establishes a joint leadership body that will address major issues facing the faction in the Knesset, including the status of Torah learners, education, and matters involving religion and state.

The two parties will hold regular joint faction meetings, with decisions required to be reached by consensus rather than through a majority vote.

Ministers and deputy ministers representing the faction will be invited to all such meetings, as will candidates placed through the 12th position on the United Torah Judaism electoral slate.

If Agudas Yisroel and Degel HaTorah are unable to resolve a disagreement between themselves, the dispute will be referred to an arbitration panel for a final decision.

{Matzav.com}