Bennett Proposes 'Deri Law' Barring Draft Dodgers from War Cabinet

Former Prime Minister and Together party chairman Naftali Bennett announced a new legislative initiative he dubbed the 'Deri Law,' which would prevent individuals who evade or encourage draft evasion from serving in the War Cabinet. Bennett presented this condition for forming the next government during a speech at Reichman University's International Counter-Terrorism Conference.

Bennett stated, "We will legislate the 'Deri Law,' which stipulates: a draft dodger shall not sit in the cabinet. Whoever evaded IDF service, or encourages evasion, will not be able to sit in the War Cabinet." He argued that those who have not experienced the fear of a knock on the door should not be the ones sending Israeli soldiers into battle. He further asserted that draft evasion poses a strategic threat to Israel's security, leading to a shortage of 20,000 soldiers, resulting in casualties and prolonged conflicts.

Bennett's proposed law is named after Shas party chairman Aryeh Deri. However, the article notes a significant irony: Deri himself is not a draft dodger and served in the IDF, albeit for a shortened period after enlisting in 1986. Bennett also linked Deri, Netanyahu, and Smotrich to encouraging and funding mass draft evasion.

Under Bennett's proposed policy, there would be a mandatory conscription for everyone, without compromise, and funding for draft dodgers would be completely halted. "Whoever does not enlist will not receive a shekel from the state," Bennett declared.