Bennett Sets Condition for Joining Next Government: Law Against Draft Dodgers

Naftali Bennett, head of the Yamina party, stated on Tuesday, October 6, that a condition for his potential participation in the next Israeli government would be the passage of a law barring draft dodgers and those who encourage draft evasion from entering the military-political cabinet. Speaking at an international counter-terrorism conference at Reichman University, Bennett explained that individuals who evaded IDF service or promoted evasion should not be allowed to serve in this critical decision-making body. He referred to this proposed legislation as the "Deri Law," referencing Aryeh Deri, chairman of the Shas party.

Bennett argued that those who "boast about not sending their grandchildren into battle" should not be the ones to send "our sons and daughters" into combat, emphasizing that such individuals lack the understanding of the pressures faced by those responsible for national security. He characterized widespread draft evasion as a strategic threat to Israel's security and accused Deri, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Bezalel Smotrich of encouraging and funding it. Bennett cited a shortage of 20,000 combat soldiers in the IDF, which he claims leads to casualties and hinders military effectiveness, citing instances where soldiers are killed or wounded due to a lack of observers and snipers, and positions are lost because there are insufficient personnel to hold them.

Furthermore, Bennett pledged to pursue mandatory IDF conscription for all citizens and to cease state funding for draft dodgers, stating that "whoever does not go to the army will not receive a shekel from the state." In response, Shas Knesset Member Michael Malchieli criticized Bennett, proposing a "Bennett Law" that would prevent "political tricksters" who allegedly steal the prime minister's post against their voters' will from running for the Knesset again.

The announcement followed overnight disturbances in Modi'in, where ultra-Orthodox individuals interfered with military police attempting to apprehend a deserter. The confrontation ended with an agreement for the ultra-Orthodox not to attack the police in exchange for the police not arresting the yeshiva student evading conscription. The student was subsequently celebrated by the crowd.