The court was ruled against four petitions challenging the legality of the law, which permits members of the hareidi-religious community to postpone or defer military service, permitting them to continue Torah studies in rabbinical seminaries.
The Tal Law was upheld in an 8-1 vote, with only Justice Michael Cheshin voting to declare the law unconstitutional, explaining it is contrary to the basic democratic tenets of the State of Israel.
“There is no reason my children should serve and others will not serve,” commented Halutz in his reaction to the ruling of an expanded nine-justice panel of the nation’s High Court.
Other military officials criticized the religious community, stating “there is no equality.”
According to officials in the IDF Personnel Branch, by 2009 the number of hareidi men who not serve in the IDF will be less than 10 percent.
Halutz stated that the current situation cannot be permitted to continue. Just as his children serve in the military, Halutz wants to members of every Jewish household serve.
Chief Justice Aaron Barak wrote that the matter must be resolved by national consensus, adding that the Knesset’s passing of the Tal law has resulted in serious damage regarding the feeling of equality among those eligible for military service.
The chief justice spoke of “tolerance and understanding,” admitting there will be additional petitions and hearings on the subject in the future. Barak stressed that a legal solution cannot be imposed by the courts, but must be achieved through dialogue and patience.
The Tal Law was upheld in an 8-1 vote, with only Justice Michael Cheshin voting to declare the law unconstitutional, explaining it is contrary to the basic democratic tenets of the State of Israel.
“There is no reason my children should serve and others will not serve,” commented Halutz in his reaction to the ruling of an expanded nine-justice panel of the nation’s High Court.
Other military officials criticized the religious community, stating “there is no equality.”
According to officials in the IDF Personnel Branch, by 2009 the number of hareidi men who not serve in the IDF will be less than 10 percent.
Halutz stated that the current situation cannot be permitted to continue. Just as his children serve in the military, Halutz wants to members of every Jewish household serve.
Chief Justice Aaron Barak wrote that the matter must be resolved by national consensus, adding that the Knesset’s passing of the Tal law has resulted in serious damage regarding the feeling of equality among those eligible for military service.
The chief justice spoke of “tolerance and understanding,” admitting there will be additional petitions and hearings on the subject in the future. Barak stressed that a legal solution cannot be imposed by the courts, but must be achieved through dialogue and patience.