Smotrich Accused of Trading Haredi Draft Exemption for Settlement Support
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich is facing criticism for his opposition to conscripting Haredi men into the military, which some see as a political deal trading Haredi support for settlements for draft exemptions. The article argues that Smotrich misunderstands the draft law, ignores the military's urgent need for soldiers, and relies on Haredi leadership for legitimacy despite their opposition to enlistment. The author contends that a strong military is essential for settlements and that the public is tired of bearing the security burden alone.
The story in 7 lines · by baba
- Minister Bezalel Smotrich is accused of seeking Haredi support for settlements in exchange for draft exemptions.
- Critics argue Smotrich's stance ignores the military's urgent need for combat soldiers.
- Smotrich's conditions for Haredi conscription include legitimacy from Haredi leadership, which has opposed enlistment.
- The article criticizes the lack of progress on Haredi enlistment initiatives despite available funds.
- The Hasmonean Brigade is cited as an example of the military adapting to Haredi lifestyles for enlistment.
- The author suggests a political alliance is weakening both the military and settlements.
- Smotrich is also criticized for interfering in military operational matters.
Minister Bezalel Smotrich has been sharply criticizing those advocating for the conscription of Haredi men into the Israeli military, labeling their campaign a lie. He also praised MK Bismuth's draft law, though the article contends he misunderstands its provisions. The law, according to the author, does not address the military's urgent need for combat soldiers, instead leaving decisions to rabbis and allowing draft deferrals until the age of exemption. It also broadens the definition of "Haredi" to potentially include non-Haredi individuals and removes economic sanctions, ensuring continued benefits for Torah scholars.
Smotrich has set two conditions for Haredi conscription: legitimacy from Haredi leadership and a national plan for their enlistment. The author questions Smotrich's reliance on Haredi leadership for legitimacy, citing recent statements by Rabbi Landu that suggest a preference for living without a state. The article also criticizes the lack of action on Haredi enlistment initiatives, such as specialized preparatory programs or state-supervised institutions, despite the availability of funds for other Haredi causes.
The article refutes Smotrich's claims about the military's inability to draft Haredim, pointing to the establishment of the Hasmonean Brigade, a combat unit adapted to Haredi lifestyles. It also dismisses Smotrich's assertion that the military could recruit more reservists, noting that 130,000 reservists have already been recalled and the urgent need is for regular combat soldiers. The author argues that a single regular combat battalion can significantly reduce the burden on multiple reserve battalions.
Furthermore, the article suggests that Smotrich's stance is part of a political deal: Haredi support for settlements in exchange for exemption from military service. This is contrasted with the need for a strong military to protect settlements. The author concludes that the public, bearing the burden of reserve duty, is unwilling to fund a political alliance that weakens both the military and settlements, emphasizing that those who benefit from the state must also fulfill their obligations.
Finally, the article criticizes Smotrich's interference in military matters, such as reducing reserve duty and developing operational plans, suggesting that the General Staff is better equipped to handle complex security realities. It also touches upon the pressure allegedly placed on MK Yuli Edelstein by the Prime Minister to secure Der'i's support for an attack on Iran, implying this influenced Edelstein's role in draft law negotiations.
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