Netanyahu Criticizes Arrests of Haredi Draft Dodgers, Pledges Fast-Track Exemption Law

Some had their passports confiscated, with authorities citing suspicion of failing to report for enlistment. Although initially expecting release due to the logistical challenges of detaining such a large group, they were informed they would face disciplinary proceedings.

In an interview with the Haredi radio station Kol Barama, Netanyahu stated, "We must preserve the world of Torah because it has preserved us. These arrests are a deliberate attempt to harm the process of drafting Haredim without coercion." He added, "I greatly respect the world of Torah, but whoever does not study should enlist." He did not dismiss the condition set by Haredi parties for enacting an exemption law before the government's swearing-in, saying, "I wish we could do it. Who knows if we can before the government is formed? It depends on goodwill, understanding, and cooperation. I know many in the Haredi public understand that a new burden-sharing is needed."

Netanyahu also addressed criticism from prominent Haredi rabbis, acknowledging their frustration and pain. He recalled being one vote short of passing a "real draft law" in the previous term, suggesting it could be passed in the next term to regulate relations between Haredim and secular Israelis for generations, preserving Torah study while ensuring renewed burden-sharing. He affirmed the protective power of Torah study, stating, "What preserved us in exile and through all these generations? Torah study. We cannot discard our heritage."

Reactions from other political leaders were swift and critical. Gadi Eisenkot, Chairman of Yishai!, vowed to prevent such a law, framing the upcoming election as a choice between Netanyahu's "government of evasion" and his own "Zionist enlistment government." Naftali Bennett, Chairman of Together, accused Netanyahu of revealing a "Bibi-Der'i deal" for power, promising an "evasion law" before the government is formed, which he believes will dismantle the IDF and harm soldiers and reservists by officially sanctioning mass evasion by 120,000 healthy Haredi youth.

Avigdor Lieberman, Chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, called Netanyahu a "hostage to evaders," asserting that everyone is equal under the law and pledging to enlist everyone in the next government without exemptions. A statement from Ofer Vinter's Am Israel party criticized the demand for an exemption law before the government is sworn in as "irresponsible conduct" and contrary to their demand for a law regulating the status of those who serve, stating that whoever does not serve receives nothing. They also pointed to Netanyahu's remarks as proof that "Guldknopff" should not be the 61st vote in the next government.

The arrival of the Chabad students was known to the IDF in advance, leading to a reinforced presence at the airport. Chabad has an arrangement with the IDF for a special track for students studying abroad, but this lacks a legal basis due to the absence of "Torato Umanuto" (his Torah is his craft) status. Chabad responded, calling the focus on their students "disgraceful" given the high number of their members already serving, and deeming it "absurd and unnecessary" to target them.