Former PM Bennett Warns of IDF Collapse Due to Mass Draft Evasion

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett warned on Tuesday that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is on the verge of collapse due to widespread draft evasion, which he blames on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. Speaking in Tel Aviv, Bennett stated that Netanyahu, while publicly warning of security threats, is "dismantling the IDF" by allowing a "mass evasion" that endangers soldiers' lives.

Bennett cited reports from officers and soldiers in the field who describe critical shortages of combat troops. He claimed these shortages are already costing soldiers' lives, with injuries and fatalities occurring due to a lack of observation and sniper support. He also noted that prolonged operational cycles are wearing down soldiers, and that units are forced to abandon captured territory due to insufficient personnel to hold it, necessitating costly recaptures.

Bennett specifically addressed the issue of ultra-Orthodox conscription, highlighting that while there are 1.5 million ultra-Orthodox men in Israel, they are not being drafted. He contrasted their stance of "we will die and not enlist" with the soldiers' plea of "we will die if you don't enlist." Bennett asserted that if the ultra-Orthodox are not conscripted in the upcoming term, the IDF will collapse. He accused Netanyahu and Aryeh Deri of committing to maintaining the current policy in the next government, framing the upcoming election as a choice between supporting the soldiers or supporting draft evasion.

Bennett concluded by stating his party's commitment to enlisting everyone, halting funds to draft evaders, and strengthening the IDF, positioning this as the central issue of the election.