Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave an unusual press conference on Thursday evening in which he addressed the thorny issue of religious people serving in the military.
For 75 years, ultra-Orthodox males have been able to request exemptions if they are studying religion. That has, over time, been a source of resentment among other, secular (or even just regular Orthodox) members of the population, who have shouldered the military burden.
In fact, that resentment helped fuel the protests that, a year ago, sharply divided Israeli society. The secular-religious divide lay behind much of the political rancor.
So when defense minister Yoav Gallant announced earlier this week that Israel needed to start drafting religious people, due to the extreme demands on IDF manpower (and womanpower) during the ongoing war, that created the potential for an explosive domestic political situation, mid-conflict.
But as Netanyahu explained, there is probably enough political will for some kind of compromise. It won't be one that everyone likes: there is no "absolute agreement" except in North Korea, he said. But it will allow the military to continue to function well -- and will resolve the "social gap" in Israeli society.
If that actually comes together, it will be an incredibly positive thing, and one of the most important victories of the war. Perhaps only a war like this could move Israel to confront its internal cultural and religious divisions. But in doing so, Israel faces an opportunity for an incredible, even miraculous, national rebirth.
Just think of it: a year ago, ultra-religious and secular Israelis were arguing in the streets. (Well, it was more like secular people yelling at religious people.) Now, they could be serving together in uniform. People talk about shared suffering in crisis leading to transformation. This time it may really happen.
This is the final edition of THE AGENDA -- finished a few days early!
This week's portion elucidates some of the first laws and principles of the Torah that follow the Ten Commandments, including -- a message particularly relevant to freed slaves -- the Jewish restrictions on indentured servitude.
God also provides the basic civil laws of Jewish society, governing almost every area of life -- in this one portion! -- as well as several basic principles of faith and religious observance. Moses then ascends Sinai for 40 days.
One of the laws God gives is the law against taunting a foreigner. This is different from allowing people to enter your land illegally; it is about showing respect, however, for people from other lands and other groups.
I am reminded of the importance of this principle because of the rhetoric lately attacking Elon Musk, a fellow South African-turned-American, for his foreign roots -- often by people who favor illegal immigration, ironically.
...
Since the Palisades Fire on January 7, my posts have been fairly sparse. I have just been so busy -- fighting the fire, covering the fire, helping neighbors, and launching a new podcast, "Three Homeless Guys," with two local friends.
Things are up and down. My family is still displaced, and we haven't resolved our living situation. We are awaiting answers from the insurance company (State Farm) on what they will cover, including alternative living expenses.
There are some incredible opportunities opening up -- more on that later -- and our kids are generally doing well, though this has been hard for them as well (especially the two middle kids, who miss their friends and their house).
The emotion of it all hit me yesterday. Today I feel wrung out. But I also feel that, in a way, going through the fire has been a process of refinement, of re-casting in a new mould, to face new challenges. And to win each new day.
So much to talk about, once again, as the Trump administration continues at breakneck pace. From DOGE chewing through the federal bureaucracy, to Marco Rubio heading out on his first missions for Trump, there's so much...
Special guests:
Assemblyman Carl DeMaio -- on the L.A. fires and reforming CA insurance
Matt Boyle -- Breitbart News political editor, on DOGE and confirmations
Jamie Paige -- founder of the Westside Current, on L.A. politics and the fires
Frances Martel -- Breitbart News foreign editor, on Rubio and Russia/Ukraine
Rob Hersov -- South African commentator, on SA's fight with the White House
Tune in: SiriusXM Patriot 125, 7-10 p.m. ET, 4-7 p.m. PT
Call in: 866-957-2874
