Bennett Admits Limited Success Expected in Ultra-Orthodox Draft Plan

Naftali Bennett, chairman of the "Yachad" party, has acknowledged that his plan to draft ultra-Orthodox men into the military will not succeed in enlisting all or even most of those eligible. Bennett stated that his goal for the first year is to enlist between 15,000 and 20,000 individuals out of approximately 100,000 eligible.

Bennett's proposed plan focuses on economic incentives rather than immediate mass conscription or arrests. He advocates for cutting state funding and benefits, such as stipends for yeshiva students, property tax discounts, subsidized daycare, and housing assistance, for those who do not serve in the military or work. "Anyone who doesn't enlist doesn't get a shekel from the state. Anyone who doesn't work doesn't get a shekel from the state. Not a Zionist, not on my dime," Bennett declared, promising the policy would be implemented immediately upon taking office.

The funds saved from these cuts, he pledged, would be redirected to support those who do serve and work. Bennett believes that reducing financial incentives for non-service will encourage many ultra-Orthodox men to volunteer for the IDF. He asserted that enlisting 15,000 to 20,000 regular soldiers would significantly alleviate the burden on reservists, as he estimates one regular soldier is equivalent to 12 reservists.

Bennett emphasized that his plan does not involve exemptions or negotiations with ultra-Orthodox party leaders, nor does it call for mass arrests. He stated the policy would apply universally, cutting off funds for anyone not serving the country, regardless of their religious or ethnic background. Bennett cited his business background as the basis for his approach, calling it a new and potentially effective method based on economic incentives.