Bennett Associate Criticizes Eisenkot Over Haredi Draft Exemption
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS by baba
Keren Turner, a close associate of Naftali Bennett and senior figure in the "Yachad" party, has been recorded criticizing Gadi Eisenkot, particularly regarding his alleged support for a 30% draft exemption for ultra-Orthodox men. The recordings, revealed by i24NEWS, come despite an agreement among bloc leaders to avoid mutual attacks before the elections. Turner also called Qatar an enemy state. The "Yachad" party responded by promising to cut off funds for draft dodgers in a future government.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Keren Turner, allied with Naftali Bennett, criticized Gadi Eisenkot's stance on ultra-Orthodox draft exemptions.
- Turner allegedly stated Eisenkot supports a 30% exemption for Haredi men from military service.
- The criticism violates a pre-election agreement among bloc leaders to avoid mutual attacks.
- Turner also declared Qatar an enemy state and criticized parties not sharing this view.
- The Member of Knesset, also associated with Bennett, made similar veiled criticisms of Eisenkot's experience.
- The "Yachad" party vowed to cut funds for draft dodgers in a future government.
Keren Turner, a senior figure in the "Yachad" party and a close associate of former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, has been recorded criticizing Gadi Eisenkot, a move that goes against an agreement among bloc leaders to refrain from attacking each other until after the upcoming elections. The recordings, revealed by i24NEWS Knesset correspondent Amiel Yerchi on "Shabbat Magazine," feature Turner questioning Eisenkot's experience and his stance on the draft exemption for ultra-Orthodox men.
Turner expressed concerns about individuals entering public service without sufficient experience, contrasting this with leaders who have held multiple ministerial positions and made mistakes, implying Bennett's suitability. She specifically addressed the ultra-Orthodox draft issue, stating, "Eisenkot expresses support for a 30 percent exemption, but we say that if the Haredi society did not enlist voluntarily on October 7, then it will no longer enlist voluntarily." She also declared Qatar an enemy state, criticizing any party that does not share this view.
Turner's remarks echo a veiled attack by the Member of Knesset, also associated with Bennett's camp, which was revealed by i24NEWS on Thursday. The Member of Knesset emphasized the need for "professional, results-oriented people" to lead the country out of its current difficulties, highlighting Bennett's "dramatic experience" as prime minister and his performance in the "government of change."
In response, the "Yachad" party stated that they are working in coordination to expand the bloc and achieve victory. They pledged that in the next government, they will cut off financial support for draft dodgers and redirect funds from those who do not serve to those who do, asserting, "Whoever does not serve will not receive a shekel. Together we will fix."
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