Ministers Clash Over Arab Partnership, IDF Draft, and Settler Violence
In a political debate ahead of the 2026 elections, Israeli Minister Amichai Chikli and former National Security Council Deputy Head Talya Lanker engaged in a heated discussion covering a range of contentious issues. Chikli criticized the potential alliance between Yoav Segalovitz and the Ra'am party, arguing it would give the Islamic Movement, which he claims refuses to designate Hamas as a terror organization, control over Israel's internal security.
Lanker, representing Yisrael Beiteinu, stated her party would not cooperate with Ra'am, regardless of its members, but acknowledged Segalovitz's efforts in reducing crime in the Arab sector. The two also debated settler violence in the West Bank. Chikli accused organizations like B'Tselem and Breaking the Silence of delegitimizing Jewish presence and claimed that most incidents involve responses to provocations by anarchists. Lanker countered that Arab terrorism is more prevalent but criticized the government for allegedly backing violent individuals and failing to address the issue, pointing to figures like National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
The discussion extended to the integration of women in the IDF and the draft law for Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) men. Chikli expressed opposition to refusing orders but highlighted the need for gender-segregated frameworks within the Artillery Corps to accommodate the integration of Hesder Yeshiva students, who combine religious study with military service. Lanker agreed on the need for accommodation for Haredim but strongly condemned refusing orders from a female paramedic, questioning the logic of such refusals in life-saving situations.
Regarding the draft law, Chikli criticized the previous government's approach and advocated for raising the exemption age from 26, viewing it as a way to prevent yeshiva students from becoming trapped in a "young Haredi prison" and encouraging them to enter the workforce. Lanker dismissed blaming the draft law for the October 7th attacks and suggested flexibility in the current draft law, proposing that all recruits, including Arabs and Haredim, report to recruitment centers, with the army determining their roles based on needs, including national service.
Finally, the two politicians touched upon personal matters, with Chikli mentioning his family's new dog and his love for cooking couscous, while Lanker revealed her passion for cake decorating and pastry.
