Ultra-Orthodox MK Criticizes Government, Rejects 'Israelization'

Just two weeks before elections, MK Yitzhak Pindrus of the Degel HaTorah party made a series of controversial statements in an interview, expressing a distinctly isolationist ultra-Orthodox worldview. He challenged the automatic commitment to Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu and settled personal and ideological scores within and outside the current coalition.

Pindrus described the election of Amir Ohana, who is openly gay, as Knesset Speaker as a "desecration of God's name" that carries a price, stating it was a serious spiritual error that should not have been approved by Torah leaders. He argued that such a decision was dangerous and could lead to the land rejecting them, referencing biblical passages.

Addressing criticism about the lack of integration of Haredim into society and the workforce, Pindrus rejected the concept of "Israelization." He asserted that becoming "Israelized" would mean ceasing to be Haredi, emphasizing that while they live in Israel, pay taxes, and strive to obey the law, their primary commitment is to Torah study. He downplayed the significance of the conscription issue, suggesting that even if 100% of Haredim were drafted, the core struggle for their way of life in Israel would not change.

Pindrus also directed criticism at senior Likud members, including Yuli Edelstein and Yoav Gallant, whom he blamed for thwarting the conscription law. He felt personally deceived by Edelstein, recalling a quote from MK Moshe Gafni comparing Haredim to an aircraft carrier that is easy to hit but dangerous for its attackers, noting that those who opposed them had since disappeared from Israeli politics.

Responding to Bezalel Smotrich's remarks about Haredi conduct, Pindrus criticized the Religious Zionist movement, suggesting they are increasingly adopting the Haredi model by establishing numerous unrecognized institutions and delaying IDF service. He advised Smotrich to "remove the beam from his own eye," pointing to the rise of similar trends within the national religious sector. Pindrus also alluded to political deals that benefited others at the expense of the Haredi community, particularly concerning funding for West Bank outposts amidst the war.

Regarding post-election scenarios, Pindrus declared that the era of unconditional support for Netanyahu was over, arguing that the focus on "yes Bibi, no Bibi" had made the Haredim taken for granted. He suggested that Haredi parties might initially support a government's formation through a preliminary vote but would not join as full coalition members until the conscription law is fully resolved. He also indicated openness to other candidates if it would advance the status of yeshiva students.

In a behind-the-scenes revelation, Pindrus disclosed that the government's draft conscription bill was scheduled for publication on October 10, 2023, just before the October 7th attack. He recalled a debate with Government Secretary Yossi Fuchs about the publication date, with Fuchs preferring a later date due to holidays, unaware of the impending war.