Bennett Proposes 'Der'i Law' to Bar Draft Dodgers from Security Cabinet

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett announced on Tuesday his intention to advance legislation in the next government that would prevent individuals who have evaded military service or encourage evasion from serving in the Security Cabinet. Speaking at the Reichman University International Counter-Terrorism Conference, Bennett described the proposed law, which he dubbed the 'Der'i Law,' as a fundamental condition for his party's participation in a future coalition.

"We will legislate the 'Der'i Law,' which stipulates that a draft dodger cannot sit in the cabinet, one who evaded the IDF, or encourages evasion, will not be able to sit in the cabinet," Bennett stated. He further criticized the current government's handling of Haredi enlistment, arguing that the resulting manpower shortage in the IDF is compromising Israel's operational capabilities. "Draft evasion is a strategic danger to Israel's security," he asserted, citing conversations with officers and soldiers who report a deficit of approximately 20,000 combat troops.

Bennett recalled that his government would have imposed mandatory military service on everyone without compromise and halted funding for draft dodgers. "Whoever does not enlist will not receive a shekel from the state," he declared. He also addressed the composition of the cabinet, stating, "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. One who does not know what it is to lose sleep at night from fear of a knock on the door cannot sit in a war cabinet. With us, a draft dodger will not sit in the cabinet."

It is noted that Der'i himself completed a short IDF service at the age of 27.