Minister Eliyahu Defends Remarks on Protesters, Denies Generalizing

Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu responded Tuesday to a public outcry following his remarks at a high school election panel in Tel Aviv. Eliyahu had stated, "I don't want to draft someone from Kaplan to the front lines, he won't get up to charge." The controversy erupted after the news outlet Walla! reported on the incident.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Eliyahu clarified his statement, asserting that those present at the event knew he was not referring to all Kaplan Street protesters. He emphasized his understanding of military service, stating, "I know well the meaning of wearing a uniform and going out to defend the country. I know what it means to charge with a Mag [machine gun] beside you, friends from the kibbutz, religious, secular, Sephardi, Ashkenazi, all brothers."

Eliyahu explained that his comments were directed at a "small extremist group" that called for draft refusal, threatened not to report for reserve duty, and undermined societal trust before October 7th. He argued that it is neither obligatory nor effective to forcibly draft such individuals. The minister made these remarks during a discussion about drafting the ultra-Orthodox, where he also addressed reservists and the Kaplan Street protest, in response to a Likud representative's claim about low enlistment rates for combat roles from certain institutions.