In an interview with Kippah, Rabbi Chaim Navon, a representative of the liberal wing of religious Zionists, expressed negative views on the new Draft Law. Navon suggested not increasing budgets for yeshivas that encourage students to evade military service.
At the same time, the Rabbi emphasized that economic and legislative sanctions would not lead to mass conscription of the ultra-Orthodox. In his opinion, the ultra-Orthodox community should reassess its values, recalling the words spoken by Moses to the representatives of the two tribes of Israel: "Shall your brothers go to war while you sit here?"
According to Rabbi Navon, the heroism of yeshiva students in the current war, combined with stories of the personal qualities of fallen soldiers, proves that yeshiva students can be excellent fighters on the front lines and should be there.
Responding to a question about political cooperation between the right-wing camp and the ultra-Orthodox, Chaim Navon quoted a story about the leader of the ultra-Orthodox, Rabbi Avrohom Yeshaya Karelitz, who was asked whether it is permissible to vote in Knesset elections. "Yes, it's a commandment," the Rabbi replied. "Like the commandment to eat matzah?" "No, like the commandment to eat maror." In Rabbi Chaim Navon's opinion, cooperation between the right-wing camp and ultra-Orthodox parties during wartime is a necessary measure.
