MK Haim Amsallem, a member of the Sephardic hareidi Shas faction who has broken away from the movement, appeared before the Plesner Committee Thursday to present his vision for the hareidi public's participation in national service.
MK Amsallem said that whoever does not study Torah seriously in yeshiva should be enlisted to serve in the police or Border Police, which suffer from a shortage of manpower. This will also help improve the personal safety of Israeli citizens, he noted.
The maverick rabbi-politician suggested that an efficient enforcement body be created, to locate students who do not comply with the terms of arrangement and try to fool the authorities. These should have to pay heavy fines, he opined.
On the other hand, "those select students who study Torah seriously" should be recognized as having served the country and be given a Certificate of Discharge and a discharge bonus.
"I realize that the path I outlined is a proper compromise that I believe is acceptable to most of the public, and which will guarantee our continued existence as a Jewish people in the state of Israel."