Bennett Vows No State Funds for Draft Dodgers Amid Haredi Coalition Demands

Former Prime Minister and Telem Party Chairman Naftali Bennett has sharply criticized Haredi parties, potential coalition partners for Benjamin Netanyahu, in response to statements by MK Meir Porush. Porush, representing the Belz Hasidic community, stated that Degel HaTorah and Agudat Yisrael would not join a government without a conscription law. This comes after a report in "HaYom" revealed rifts within the Haredi political front, particularly concerning the ultimatum from Shas and United Torah Judaism to join no coalition without an exemption from military service.

The "HaYom" report cited a source from the Gur Hasidic community claiming that the Admor of Gur, Yaakov Aryeh Alter, is determined to oust Netanyahu "at any cost." The source suggested that Goldknoppf, a representative of Agudat Yisrael, would be instructed after the elections not to oppose the formation of a minority government, potentially led by Gadi Eisenkot. However, the report also indicated that Porush and Degel HaTorah representatives would strongly oppose such a move. Goldknoppf himself denied this, asserting that Agudat Yisrael would not support or assist any government without the status of yeshiva students being regulated and a conscription law enacted without sanctions or quotas.

Bennett, in a social media post, highlighted Porush's condition for joining a government, stating, "No Netanyahu government without draft dodgers." He outlined his vision for the country based on election choices: choosing "Mahal" (foreign volunteers) would mean 150 days of reserve duty annually; choosing Smotrich would lead to increased income tax and VAT to fund draft dodgers; and choosing Ben Gvir would result in draft dodgers protesting in the streets. Bennett declared, "We will close all the money taps, and the choice will be simple: serve and receive a lot, do not enlist and receive nothing." He concluded, "Whoever does not serve will not receive a shekel from the state. We will take the money from the draft dodgers and transfer it to those who serve."

Yoaz Hendel, chairman of the Reservists and Economic Party, criticized the current government for making national security a bargaining chip and selling out values for political protection. He emphasized that the public that serves will hold them accountable at the ballot box. The Am Israel Party, led by Ofer Vinter, expressed concern over the reports, calling for a broad national government after the elections to prevent Haredi politicians from being the decisive vote. Vinter's party proposed a law where those who serve would receive more, and those who do not would receive nothing, stating that no blanket exemption would exist and those not studying Torah would have to serve the country.