Netanyahu Opposes Haredi Draft Evasion Arrests, Cites Harm to Recruitment

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Sunday that the recent wave of arrests targeting Haredi draft evaders is unacceptable and an attempt to harm the process of recruiting Haredim without coercion. Speaking in an interview with Radio Kol Barama, Netanyahu expressed understanding for the frustration within the Haredi street regarding the issue. He pledged to legislate a draft law in the next term, aiming to regulate the relationship between Haredim and secular Israelis for generations. "This law will allow us to preserve the world of Torah, which I deeply respect, and also ensure a renewed burden-sharing," he said.

Netanyahu emphasized the importance of Torah study for the preservation of the Jewish people, stating, "What preserved us in exile and through all these generations? It is Torah study. We cannot discard our heritage." However, he drew a line, asserting, "I respect the world of Torah, but whoever does not study should go and enlist." He believes the current arrests are a deliberate effort to undermine voluntary Haredi enlistment.

Addressing concerns about potential political cooperation between Haredi parties and opposition figures like Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid, Netanyahu expressed skepticism. He hopes such a phenomenon will not occur, but if it does, he is confident it will be marginal, citing the shared heritage and common destiny between the Haredi and religious Zionist public. He also dismissed speculation about his political future and the possibility of a plea deal in his ongoing trials, stating he intends to run for office and that a plea deal is not an option.

In response, Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, criticized Netanyahu's remarks, stating that a week before elections, he is promising Haredi parties a law that would permit draft evasion as a condition for forming a government. Eisenkot declared his opposition to such a move, vowing, "I will not let this happen."