Netanyahu Vows to Pass Haredi Draft Law, Warns Against Right-Wing Vote Splitting

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Sunday that his government intends to advance a law for the conscription of 23,000 Haredi men within three and a half years. Speaking in an interview with Aviro Titalboim on Kan Moreshet, Netanyahu attacked rival right-wing parties, cautioning against vote dilution within the bloc. "We brought a law and I will pass it, for the conscription of 23,000 Haredi men in three and a half years. They brought 5,000, that was their proposal," Netanyahu stated. He explained that the previous government "almost succeeded" in passing the law, falling short by one mandate, and expressed confidence that with additional mandates, "we can pass it this time, and it will be a truly important correction." Netanyahu clarified his stance on conscription, asserting, "Whoever does not go to be drafted, or whoever says, 'I have respect for the world of Torah,' but whoever does not study, must be drafted." He further stated that those who "say, 'We will be drafted, or we will die and not be drafted,' should go to jail."

Netanyahu also warned against splitting right-wing votes, specifically mentioning the potential candidacy of Avigdor "Vidya" Winter's party, which he labeled "fake right." He argued that such a party could waste votes or transfer them to the opposing bloc. He recalled the 1992 elections, where, according to him, many right-wing votes were lost due to parties failing to pass the electoral threshold. Netanyahu accused Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman and Naftali Bennett of past cooperation with Arab parties, stating, "Lieberman went with the Muslim Brotherhood once, he will do it again. Bennett, certainly did it, he will do it again too." He urged right-wing voters to go to the polls, emphasizing, "If the right goes to vote, we win. If he does not go to vote, they win."

Framing the election as a choice between "right or Palestine" and "right or nuclear," Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to forming a right-wing government based on principles including opposition to a Palestinian state, maintaining Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people, a strong security policy, and a free economy. He criticized Gadi Eisenkot, suggesting that a government led by him would require cooperation with Arab parties and the left. Regarding violence in Judea and Samaria and attacks on diplomats, Netanyahu condemned the acts but stressed the need to first ascertain the facts. "An attack on diplomats is out of the question. An attack on people and violence by rioters is something I cannot accept," he said, adding that the phenomenon, often involving youths from distressed homes, is unjustified and harms law-abiding residents. He noted that the Shin Bet is involved in addressing the issue.

Concerning Iran, Netanyahu stated that the defense establishment and political leadership are monitoring the possibility of Israeli enemies attempting attacks before the elections. He asserted that Israel has significantly degraded the capabilities of Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas, but acknowledged that work remains to be done. He reiterated his government's commitment to preventing the establishment of a Palestinian state.