Netanyahu Criticizes Haredi Draft Arrests, Eyes Future Legislation
Translated & summarized from Hamal by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the arrest of yeshiva students, calling it an attempt to harm voluntary Haredi enlistment efforts. He suggested the draft law could be passed next term to regulate Haredi-secular relations and burden-sharing. Netanyahu also rejected any possibility of a plea deal in his trial. Opposition figures Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Lieberman attacked Netanyahu's comments, framing them as a political deal for draft exemptions and vowing to draft all Israelis in future governments.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Netanyahu opposes yeshiva student arrests, deeming them harmful to voluntary Haredi enlistment.
- Netanyahu suggested the Haredi draft law could be passed in the next Knesset term.
- He rejected any possibility of a plea deal in his ongoing trial.
- Naftali Bennett accused Netanyahu of a political deal for draft exemptions.
- Avigdor Lieberman called Netanyahu a hostage to draft dodgers and vowed universal conscription.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a radio interview Tuesday that the arrests of yeshiva students are counterproductive to efforts to recruit Haredim into the military voluntarily. He expressed that while he respects Torah scholars, those not engaged in study should enlist in the IDF. Netanyahu suggested that the controversial draft law could be passed in the next Knesset term, aiming to regulate the relationship between the Haredi and secular public for generations to come and ensure a renewed burden-sharing.
Netanyahu acknowledged the frustration and pain within the Haredi community regarding the stalled draft law, noting that only one vote was missing for its passage. He expressed hope that Haredi parties would not align with Gadi Eisenkot after the elections, believing such a move would be marginal if it occurred. The Prime Minister emphasized the shared heritage and destiny between the Haredi and religious Zionist communities, suggesting a future reconciliation is inevitable.
Regarding his ongoing trial, Netanyahu firmly dismissed any possibility of a plea deal, stating it has never been an option. Meanwhile, Naftali Bennett, chairman of the "Yachad" party, criticized Netanyahu's remarks as a political deal with Aryeh Deri, accusing the Prime Minister of promising draft exemptions in exchange for political support and dismantling the IDF. Bennett pledged to redirect billions from draft evaders to soldiers if elected.
Similarly, Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, condemned Netanyahu's stance against arresting draft dodgers, calling him a hostage to the Haredi sector. Lieberman vowed that in the next government, everyone would be drafted without exceptions or special arrangements, asserting equality under the law.
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