Former IDF Chief of Staff Slams Finance Minister for Inciting Draft Evasion

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisrael! party and former IDF Chief of Staff, strongly criticized Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Monday for publicly supporting soldiers who refused orders. Smotrich had backed soldiers from the Giv'ati Brigade's Hesder Yeshiva program who were sentenced to prison for refusing to enter a military vehicle occupied by a female paramedic, an act that contravened joint service regulations.

Smotrich stated that he fully supported the soldiers, asserting their right to serve in the IDF while upholding their values and faith, and adhering to proper integration policies. He added that the soldiers had the backing of rabbis and leaders from the Hesder Yeshiva Union, who had thoroughly examined the issue. Smotrich expressed regret that the IDF had not prevented the need for his intervention, but as a leader of the Religious Zionist community, he felt compelled to demand answers from the military. He concluded that it was regrettable that some in the IDF chose to confront the most serving and contributing segment of the public, causing damage and eroding public trust in the army.

Eisenkot responded sharply to Smotrich's remarks, accusing him of calling for draft evasion. "This is not the first time Smotrich has called for draft evasion," Eisenkot stated. He further alleged that Smotrich, as a minister in the Defense Ministry, had promoted draft evasion during wartime and continued to work towards dismantling the IDF, undermining its command, values, and public trust. Eisenkot described this as negligence and highlighted a vast chasm between Smotrich's actions and the values of Religious Zionist men and women who are dedicated, serving, and love the people and the land.