Director General of the Ministry of Religion: If they give an order to leave the country - that's what will happen

 The Director General of the Ministry of Religion, Yehuda Avidan, firmly asserted the unwavering commitment to follow orders mandating departure from the country in response to the recent tumult triggered by the statements of Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef. 

Avidan, in a response broadcasted on the 2nd network, noted the lack of surprise when President Hayut spoke against reform, emphasizing his approval for a consistent state of shock. Drawing on generational parallels, Avidan highlighted that his father had echoed similar sentiments in the past.

When asked about the hypothetical scenario of a total conscription of yeshiva students leading to an exodus, Avidan unequivocally stated, "If this is the directive we will receive, of course, what is the question." 

Acknowledging the historical resilience of the people of Israel through greater crises, he expressed hope that current concerns would lead to a collective understanding. Avidan underlined the importance of avoiding crises that might jeopardize the Torah world.

In parallel, MK Eli Dellal of the Likud criticized Rabbi Yosef's words as "outrageous," invoking the recent death of Amisher ben David, a Torah scholar who voluntarily enlisted. Dellal argued that those who fought for the right to live in the Land of Israel wouldn't threaten to leave it. He emphasized a commitment to defending and preserving the land under any conditions.

The response to Chief Rabbi Yosef's remarks extended beyond political lines. Minister Benny Gantz, the chairman of the state camp, characterized Yosef's words as a moral injury to the Israeli state and society. Gantz urged everyone, including the ultra-Orthodox community, to participate in the sacred right to serve and fight for the country.

As the controversy unfolded, various political figures, including former Minister of Religion Matan Kahane and MK Simcha Rothman of Religious Zionism, offered their perspectives. Kahane stressed the importance of the next chief rabbis in BAZ coming from the religious-nationalist community, giving preference to those with significant military service. Rothman, while mourning the loss of Torah scholars, rejected the notion of leaving the Land of Israel, referencing historical warrior scholars from the tribe of Levi.

The diverse responses underscored the complexity of the issue, with opposition leader Yair Lapid opposing refusals, evasion, and threats to leave the country. Lapid emphasized the need for ultra-Orthodox youth to enlist for Israel's security, sparking a back-and-forth with Shas, who supported Chief Rabbi Yosef and accused Lapid of silent encouragement for organizations opposing legal reform.

Even within the religious community, voices from the flag of the Torah supported Chief Rabbi Yosef, asserting that Torah scholars were indispensable to the existence of the Jewish people on the Land of Israel. This intricate web of opinions reflects the multifaceted nature of the ongoing discourse on conscription, Torah study, and the nation's future.