Chareidi lawmakers have made it clear, that they will not support the state budget before the draft law is amended and passed into law, removing the clause that permit criminal sanctions against chareidim who do not comply with the law.

Chareidi representatives on Wednesday 29 Cheshvan at noon met with Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked to discuss this very matter. Taking part in the meeting were Health Minister Yaakov Litzman, Deputy Minister Meir Porush, MK Moshe Gafne, and former minister MK Ariel Atias. The meeting, which was held in Shaked’s office was also attended by Cabinet Secretary Avichai Mandelblit to discuss the demands set forward by the chareidi elected officials.

The meeting was likely to discuss the legality of amending the law, for the chareidim are aware that any change perceived to favor the chareidi tzibur will be challenged in the High Court of Justice so they must find a formula that will stand the test of a High Court challenge.

The chareidi lawmakers are also waiting for Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to return from the United States, at which time he will be informed they have decided they will not permit the passing of the state budget until the amended chareidi draft law has been passed into law.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)