Ultra-Orthodox Leaders Escalate Rhetoric on Draft Crisis, Accuse Legal Advisor
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Ultra-Orthodox leaders Aryeh Deri and Yaakov Asher have escalated their rhetoric regarding the military draft crisis ahead of elections. Deri admitted that the directive from rabbis is to "gain time" on the draft law, while Asher accused the Attorney General of political motives. Naftali Bennett criticized these "time-wasting tactics" as costing soldiers' lives, and Yisrael Beiteinu vowed to draft everyone in the next government.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Aryeh Deri stated the ultra-Orthodox directive is to "gain time" on the military draft law.
- Yaakov Asher accused the Attorney General of seeking to topple the right-wing government.
- Naftali Bennett claimed Deri and Netanyahu's tactics cost soldiers' lives.
- Yisrael Beiteinu vowed to end draft dodging and draft everyone in the next government.
- The comments were made during the lead-up to upcoming Israeli elections.
Leaders of ultra-Orthodox parties are intensifying their rhetoric ahead of the upcoming elections, directly addressing the military draft crisis and confrontations with the government's legal counsel. Aryeh Deri, chairman of the Shas party, revealed the strategy of ultra-Orthodox politicians during an activists' conference. Deri stated that the directive from "all the great rabbis" of both Sephardic and Ashkenazi communities is "to gain time" on the draft law, acknowledging that the leadership believes the current issue cannot be truly resolved.
Simultaneously, Yaakov Asher, chairman of the United Torah Judaism party, delivered a harsh speech in Kiryat Ata, targeting the Attorney General. Asher accused her of being a political figure whose sole aim is to topple the right-wing government and suggested this is why she is demanding the arrest of yeshiva students during the sensitive election period. He characterized the upcoming election as a "fateful struggle" against a "strong minority" and media outlets that seek to "erase" the ultra-Orthodox public, though he believes the general Israeli public does not share this sentiment.
Reactions to Deri's comments were swift. Naftali Bennett stated that Deri and Netanyahu's "time-wasting tactics" cost soldiers' lives, claiming they "simply laugh in their faces" while soldiers need reinforcements. The Yisrael Beiteinu party also responded, asserting that the "Netanyahu-Goldknopff-Deri government never intended to draft draft dodgers." They promised to "put an end to the draft-dodging party" on October 27 and draft everyone in the next government.
Mentioned
