Bennett Pledges No Draft Dodgers in Future Security Cabinet

Naftali Bennett, chairman of the "Achva" party and former Prime Minister, announced a new legislative initiative during his speech at the International Counter-Terrorism Conference hosted by Reichman University. He stated that as a condition for forming any future coalition government led by him, a law must be enacted to prevent individuals who have evaded military service or encourage evasion from serving in the Security Cabinet.

Bennett referred to this proposed legislation as "The Deri Law." He argued that draft evasion poses a strategic threat to Israel's security, citing reports from officers and soldiers about a critical shortage of 20,000 combat soldiers. This deficit, he explained, leads to increased casualties, prevents decisive victories, and forces soldiers to re-capture positions at a high cost.

He further elaborated on the battlefield consequences, mentioning that soldiers are injured and killed by drones due to insufficient observation and sniper coverage. He also highlighted that soldiers are forced to abandon captured positions due to a lack of personnel to hold them, necessitating costly re-captures. Bennett asserted that his government would enforce mandatory conscription for everyone without exception and completely halt state funding for draft dodgers, stating, "Whoever does not enlist will not receive a shekel from the state."

Concluding his remarks, Bennett emphasized that his party would not accept a situation where individuals who boast about not sending their grandchildren to battle are the ones deciding to send others' children. He stressed that those who have not experienced the fear of a knock on the door at night cannot make decisions in a war cabinet, reiterating his core pledge: "A draft dodger will not sit in the cabinet."