Shas Accuses Anti-Government Protesters of Funding Haredi Demonstrations
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
The Shas party accused anti-government protesters of funding Haredi demonstrations, sparking political backlash. Opposition leaders Avigdor Lieberman, Yair Golan, and Gadi Eisenkot criticized the government's handling of the protests and the issue of draft evasion. Haredi Public Party Chairman Moti Leitner condemned violence and criticized Shas Chairman Arieh Deri. The events highlight deep divisions within Israeli society and politics.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Shas party accused Kaplan movement protesters of funding Haredi demonstrations, aiming to destabilize the right-wing bloc.
- Avigdor Lieberman vowed to jail road blockers and penalize draft dodgers by October 27.
- Yair Golan described Haredi protesters as "militias" attacking the public and threatening Israel's democratic nature.
- Gadi Eisenkot stated draft dodgers have become "masters of the house" under the current government.
- Moti Leitner condemned violence and criticized Shas Chairman Arieh Deri for yielding to extremists.
- The protests and political reactions underscore significant societal and political divisions in Israel.
The Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) demonstrations on Thursday sparked sharp political reactions, with the Shas party accusing the Attorney General of responsibility for arrests and disruptions. Shas also controversially claimed that individuals from the Kaplan anti-government protest movement were funding the Haredi demonstrations, aiming to destabilize the right-wing bloc and alienate the Haredi public. No evidence was presented to support this claim. Shas urged the Haredi public not to let the Attorney General or the "Kaplan money" divide them.
In contrast, opposition figures strongly criticized the government's handling of the protests. Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman vowed that by October 27, all road blockers would be jailed, while soldiers would receive 100% and draft dodgers zero. Democratic Party Chairman Yair Golan described the protesters as "militias" attacking the public that supports the country, linking the events to a threat of Israel becoming a "corrupt, violent, and backward halachic state."
Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the "Yesh!" party, criticized the government for rewarding draft evasion and stated that the quality of life for working and serving citizens is sacrificed for political survival, with draft dodgers becoming "the masters of the house." He warned that the current chaos is a preview of another term under this coalition and urged citizens to take their anger to the polls.
Moti Leitner, chairman of the Haredi Public Party, condemned the violence, particularly the attack on a Haredi soldier, and criticized Arieh Deri, chairman of Shas, for allegedly being a "messenger for the extremists" and stated that surrender to thuggery is not leadership. Leitner presented his party as the alternative to what he called the "complete destruction" offered by Deri and Goldknopf.
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