Orthodox Conscription Crucial for Israel's Survival, Lawmaker Warns

Member of Knesset Meirav Cohen has made the conscription of ultra-Orthodox men a central issue in the upcoming election campaign, following the submission of the "Yachad" list led by Naftali Bennett to the Central Elections Committee. In an interview with Arutz Sheva-Israel National News, Cohen described the upcoming elections as "historic" and praised former Prime Minister Bennett as a leader capable of addressing Israel's security and social challenges.

Cohen asserted that universal conscription is necessary to end military draft evasion and dismantle the political control exerted by ultra-Orthodox educational institutions. She argued that the issue transcends mere equality, directly impacting the nation's survival. "Without this, there will be no more State of Israel. Who will defend the borders?" she questioned, referencing ongoing military conflicts, fallen soldiers, and the approximately 26,000 wounded.

Acknowledging divisions within the bloc opposing Benjamin Netanyahu, which includes figures like Naftali Bennett, Gadi Eisenkot, and Avigdor Liberman, Cohen urged the various factions to coordinate their campaigns. Her goal is to prevent any party from falling below the electoral threshold and to boost voter turnout.

She further stated that bloc leaders must convene after the election to collectively select a candidate for prime minister based on the results. "We will not let any personal considerations stand in the way, because the State of Israel is in danger," Cohen declared.

Cohen also addressed changes to the "Yachad" list, including the removal of several figures from winnable positions, calling it a "difficult" but necessary decision for political renewal.