Controversial Haredi Daycare Bill Faces Knesset Vote

The Israeli government's proposed bill to continue daycare subsidies for ultra-Orthodox families, even when fathers have not enlisted in the IDF, is causing significant political controversy. Critics, including Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairman Yuli Edelstein, argue that the bill encourages draft evasion, undermining efforts to broaden military enlistment. The bill's primary supporter, United Torah Judaism MK Yisrael Eichler, contends that removing subsidies would force mothers out of work, despite the Attorney General's office deeming the proposal unconstitutional. Opposition Leader Yair Lapid called for the immediate drafting of eligible ultra-Orthodox men into the IDF, asserting that the bill betrays IDF servicemen and undermines national solidarity. Gideon Sa’ar and his New Hope party also oppose the bill, emphasizing the importance of military service. The bill, which has passed the Ministerial Committee for Legislation, faces a preliminary Knesset vote amid threats of party discipline and coalition fractures.