Bennett Accuses Netanyahu of Leading IDF Collapse Amid Draft Evasion Crisis

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of orchestrating a "mass draft evasion and collapse of the IDF." Bennett made these remarks at a press conference in Tel Aviv, linking the current military challenges to the government's legislative efforts to exempt Haredi yeshiva students from military service.

Bennett stated that the shortage of soldiers is creating significant difficulties for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). "Netanyahu warns of security threats, but he himself leads the biggest threat of all, mass draft evasion and the collapse of the IDF," Bennett declared. He further asserted that the IDF is "on the verge of collapse" and called for the immediate resignation of all leaders who held key positions prior to the October 7, 2023, attack.

The issue of Haredi conscription remains a contentious point in Israeli politics. In September, the High Court of Justice overturned a law that had limited the ability to hold yeshiva students evading conscription accountable. This ruling adds further complexity to the ongoing debate surrounding military service obligations for all segments of Israeli society.