With the Tal Law eliminated and the government’s failure to pass a new law addressing the draft and the chareidi tzibur, the cabinet on Sunday, 25 Kislev 5773 passed legislation to permit 1,300 chareidim to enter into a civil service program. After the Tal Law expired in the summer, persons wishing to enter a service program instead of military service were prohibited from doing so since the expired law also provided the legal framework for such programs.

The new recruitment into a civil service program is supervised by the Ministry of Defense, working with the Ministry of Science & Technology. Avreichim 26 or older, or 22-years-old with children, will be permitted to enter a service program as recognized alternative to military service.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)