Opposition Slams 'Draft Dodgers' March in Bnei Brak, Vows No State Funds

A protest march in Bnei Brak advocating for yeshiva students who have evaded military service has drawn sharp criticism from opposition party leaders. The demonstration, organized by the "Tzeva Shachor" (Black Color) party, aimed to highlight the plight of draft dodgers and express frustration with the ultra-Orthodox parties.

Leaders from several opposition factions condemned the march, with some vowing to cut state funding for those who do not serve. Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, labeled the event "Netanyahu's march of shame," stating that in the current government, draft dodgers are celebrated and that the government's failure to apprehend them signifies its imminent downfall.

Naftali Bennett, chairman of the "Achva" party, declared that individuals who do not enlist would not receive state funding, asserting, "What is not Zionist is not on my account." Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, implied that the government's survival depends on these individuals and predicted their eventual conscription. Yair Golan of the "Democrats" party criticized the government for supporting draft dodgers while young Israelis fight on multiple fronts, promising that the "government of evasion" would fall on October 27th, with ultra-Orthodox men reporting for duty.

The protest took place on Sunday in Bnei Brak, a city with a large ultra-Orthodox population. The organizers stated their goal was to bring public attention to the issue of draft evasion and the dissatisfaction within the ultra-Orthodox community regarding their political representation.