Bennett Proposes 'Deri Law' Against Draft Dodgers, But It Won't Apply to Deri

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett announced on Tuesday his intention to legislate a law, which he dubbed the 'Deri Law,' that would prevent individuals who did not serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from serving in the Political-Security Cabinet. "In the next government, we will legislate the 'Deri Law,' which stipulates that a draft dodger will not be able to sit in the cabinet, one who evaded IDF service, or encourages evasion, will not be able to sit in the cabinet," Bennett stated.

However, contrary to the name Bennett chose for the proposed legislation, it has become clear that even if the law passes, it would not apply to the Chairman of the Shas party, Aryeh Deri. The reason for this is that Deri completed a shortened period of service in the IDF as a "Stage B" soldier, and therefore does not fit the definition of a "draft dodger" as proposed by Bennett. Furthermore, Deri has not served as a member of the Political-Security Cabinet for over three years. His participation in limited cabinet meetings was as a guest of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, without voting rights.

In a separate context, Deri recently addressed the issue of military service. In a speech about a week ago, Deri sharply criticized Bennett following remarks about a dramatic emergency incident on a flight departing from Dubai. Deri quoted Bennett as saying that the event was not a miracle but "heroism," while Deri stated, "We are going with simple, innocent faith."