Netanyahu Rules Out Plea Deal, Criticizes Draft Evasion Arrests
Translated & summarized from Haaretz by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that a plea deal in his trial is not an option. He also criticized the recent arrests of Haredi draft evaders, calling them unacceptable and a deliberate attempt to disrupt voluntary enlistment. The Attorney General had previously ordered the IDF to resume proactive arrests of draft evaders due to security concerns. Proactive enforcement by the military is set to resume in October.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated a plea deal in his trial is not an option.
- Netanyahu called the arrests of Haredi draft evaders unacceptable and a deliberate attempt to harm enlistment.
- He stressed the importance of preserving Torah study while stating those not studying must enlist.
- The Attorney General had ordered the IDF to resume proactive arrests of draft evaders.
- Proactive military enforcement against draft evaders is scheduled to restart in October.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Tuesday that a plea deal in his ongoing trial is "not an option and never was an option." Speaking in an interview with the Haredi radio station Kol Barama, Netanyahu also addressed the recent arrests of Haredi draft evaders, calling them "unacceptable." He emphasized the importance of preserving the world of Torah study, stating it has historically preserved the Jewish people. "These arrests are a deliberate attempt to harm a process that has already begun," he said, noting an increase in voluntary enlistments from the Haredi community. Netanyahu added that while he respects Torah scholars, those who do not study Torah "must go and enlist." He has consistently maintained he is not seeking a plea deal, though his lawyers have previously petitioned the President for a pardon without an admission of guilt, and reports have surfaced over the years of consultations regarding plea deal advancements and conflicting opinions within his inner circle that stalled such efforts. The Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, had previously instructed the IDF to resume proactive arrests of draft evaders, citing security needs and the inadequacy of current enforcement. The military indicated that proactive enforcement would recommence in October.
