Chairman of United Torah Judaism, MK Yaakov Asher:

"It is encouraging to see the flexibility shown by all political players on the issue of military conscription. It is painful to think how much incitement and hatred between fellow Jews could have been avoided had that same flexibility been demonstrated in recent years.

In this week’s Torah portion, which deals with the matchmaking of Isaac and Rebecca, it is written: ‘Let us call the maiden and ask her opinion.’ This is worth remembering when discussing political matches that have not yet even been proposed to one of the parties involved.

And of course, any proposal will first be brought before the ‘in-laws’ for their decision — our revered Torah sages and leaders of the generation, may they live long and good lives."