Former PM Bennett Warns of IDF Collapse Over Draft Evasion

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett warned Tuesday that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is on the verge of collapse due to widespread draft evasion, particularly among the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community. Speaking at an event hosted by families of October 7th massacre victims in Tel Aviv, Bennett presented what he termed a "strategic security warning."

Bennett sharply criticized the current government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of personally leading the country toward a severe security danger through mass draft avoidance and a significant decline in the army's operational readiness. He stated that the square where the event was held symbolizes the "terrible failure of the October 7th government that has yet to be investigated," adding that all involved should be immediately removed from their positions.

Addressing the issue of Haredi conscription, Bennett claimed that the personnel shortage is directly harming soldiers on the ground. "The IDF is facing collapse," he asserted, referencing the IDF Chief of Staff's warnings about a deficit of 20,000 soldiers, which Netanyahu, he alleged, is ignoring. Bennett relayed accounts from officers and soldiers who claim the shortage is already costing lives, with soldiers being wounded or killed by drones due to a lack of observation and sniper personnel for protection. He also noted that prolonged operational cycles are eroding readiness, forcing soldiers to abandon captured positions due to a lack of personnel to hold them, necessitating costly recaptures.

Bennett highlighted that Israel has 1.5 million Haredi residents and warned that without extensive conscription, the military system cannot handle the operational load. He contrasted the Haredi slogan "We will die rather than enlist" with the soldiers' plea, "We will die if you don't enlist," emphasizing the urgent need for reinforcements. He issued a stark warning that failure to enlist Haredim in the upcoming term will lead to the IDF's collapse.

Concluding his remarks, Bennett accused Netanyahu and Interior Minister Moshe Deri of committing to continue the same policies in the next government, framing a vote for the current coalition as a direct vote against IDF soldiers.