Former PM Bennett Slams Haredi Draft Plan, Proposes Alternative

Former Israeli Prime Minister and 'Achinu' party chairman Naftali Bennett has launched a sharp critique of a proposed ultra-Orthodox conscription plan, calling it "unacceptable" and a "existential danger" to Israel. Speaking on Nadav Peri's 'All In' podcast, Bennett described the Haredi sector as a "state within a state" that, if not addressed, will lead to the end of the Jewish and democratic state.

Bennett specifically rejected any form of draft exemption, including a proposal by former IDF Chief of Staff and current MK Gadi Eisenkot that would exempt 30% of Haredi men. "Zero exemption," Bennett stated, warning that partial exemptions lead inevitably to full evasion. He proposed an alternative: cutting all state funding to Haredi educational institutions that do not serve in the military. Instead, he suggested establishing Haredi 'Hesder Yeshivas' along Israel's borders, combining eight hours of Torah study with eight hours of security duty in areas like the Jordan Valley, Sinai, and the Gaza border.

Beyond the conscription issue, Bennett also criticized the current government's judicial overhaul, stating it has "done everything to break the spirit" of those who did not vote for it and has weakened the country, making it vulnerable to enemies. He also unveiled a new proposal for a constitution, suggesting the Declaration of Independence serve as an introductory chapter, defining Israel as a Jewish nation-state with equality for all citizens. He also proposed passing a Basic Law on Legislation with a 71-MK majority and limiting the Prime Minister's term to eight years.

Concluding his remarks, Bennett urged Israelis living abroad to return and vote in upcoming elections, calling them "rescue elections" and "emergency elections" for the state of Israel.