Israeli Minister Eliyahu Expresses Hesitation to Draft Protest Supporters into Combat Units

Minister of Heritage Amihai Eliyahu stated on Tuesday, September 15, that he would not want to draft participants of anti-government protests held on Kaplan Street into combat units, citing doubts about their willingness to perform military duties. The remarks were made during an election-related discussion with students at Ironi Alef school in Tel Aviv, as reported by Walla news portal.

"I don't want to draft someone from Kaplan into combat units, only for them to potentially not charge into battle," Eliyahu said. The minister's comments drew sharp criticism from Knesset Member Naor Shiri of the Labor party, who was also present at the discussion. Shiri accused Eliyahu of showing contempt for the school's students, many of whom serve in the military, by equating them with draft dodgers.

Political discussions are being held in schools across Israel during the election period. Representatives from various parties engage with high school students, who then vote for the politicians they find most persuasive.