The campaign, based on bus posters, will depict Mofaz as the leader of the struggle to draft ultra-Orthodox men into the Israel Defense Forces.

Kadima is launching a PR blitz on Wednesday to improve the image of its chairman, Shaul Mofaz, whose party is flagging in opinion polls and has been criticized for its brief two-month stay in the governing coalition.

The campaign, based on bus posters, will depict Mofaz as the leader of the struggle to draft ultra-Orthodox men into the Israel Defense Forces. It will cast doubt on Prime Minister Netanyahu´s intention to do anything about Haredi draft exemptions.

The campaign will center around two slogans - "We salute you Mofaz" and a rhyming Hebrew phrase blasting Netanyahu and praising Kadima for moving forward on the draft issue. Kadima politicians said on Tuesday that the campaign´s timing was no accident.

"In another week, the Tal Law [on draft exemptions] will expire, and Netanyahu won´t mobilize a majority for his loophole-filled new proposal," said a Kadima politician.

"Kadima will oppose Netanyahu´s proposal, which favors Orthodox draft dodgers at the expense of middle-class Israelis who do their duty, contribute to the state and pay taxes. Kadima supports the demands of the country´s Zionist majority in favor of equal sharing of the military-service burden."

Kadima members said only 20 percent of the posters relate to Mofaz; the rest feature anti-Netanyahu slogans. The campaign will cost Kadima NIS 300,000.

On Wednesday, the Knesset adjourns for summer recess, without legislating an alternative to the Tal Law. Political sources say a new conscription law will be legislated in another few months at the earliest. (© Copyright 2012 Ha´aretz 07/25/12)