Senior ultra-Orthodox politician Moshe Gafni has compared the government's current policies toward yeshiva students to the actions of the Romans, who sought to prevent Jewish Torah study. Speaking at a conference, Gafni pledged that the Torah world would not only endure but grow stronger, asserting its importance for the survival of the Jewish people. He argued that calls for the conscription of ultra-Orthodox men are motivated more by political interests than genuine concerns about military manpower.
Gafni also criticized the coalition partnership, stating that his faction does not feel supported by their political allies. The United Torah Judaism party, along with Shas, has been advocating for legislation to allow most ultra-Orthodox men to avoid military service. Both parties left the coalition after disagreements over a proposed enlistment bill, though Shas continues to support the government from outside.