Bennett Vows 'Der'i Law' to Bar Draft Dodgers from Cabinet

Naftali Bennett, chairman of the "Achva" party, announced on Monday that his party would legislate the "Der'i Law," which would prevent individuals who have evaded military service, or encouraged others to do so, from serving in the Israeli cabinet. Bennett made the remarks during the International Counter-Terrorism Conference hosted by Reichman University, stating that draft evasion poses a strategic threat to Israel's security.

Bennett asserted that the IDF faces an immediate shortage of 20,000 combat soldiers, leading to preventable casualties and operational difficulties. He detailed how this deficit results in soldiers being injured or killed by drones due to insufficient observation and sniper coverage, and forces troops to abandon captured positions due to a lack of personnel to hold them. He emphasized that prolonged military operations wear down soldiers, reduce alertness, and ultimately cost lives.

"In the next government, we will impose compulsory service on everyone, without compromise, and completely stop funding for draft dodgers. Those who do not enlist will not receive a shekel from the state," Bennett declared. He added, "We will no longer accept a distorted situation where someone who boasts about not sending his grandchildren to battle is the one who sends our sons and daughters to battle!" He concluded that individuals who have not experienced the fear of a knock on the door in the middle of the night should not be allowed to sit in the war cabinet.

The controversy stems from a recent statement by Shas party chairman Arieh Deri, published by i24NEWS, in which he expressed concern over the anxiety of Haredi families whose sons might be arrested for studying Torah instead of enlisting. Deri's comments sparked widespread political backlash.

Yair Lapid responded by accusing Deri of hypocrisy, stating that families are living in fear because Deri's government sent their sons to fight in Gaza while his own grandchildren allegedly evade service. Lapid asserted that Deri would not be part of any future government. Yisrael Beiteinu also criticized Deri, calling him the "minister of evasion" and contrasting his concerns with the sacrifices made by soldiers and bereaved families following the October 7th attacks.