Netanyahu Pledges to Advance Ultra-Orthodox Draft Exemption Law
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to continue advancing a draft exemption law for the ultra-Orthodox community in the next term, stating it was one vote short of passing previously. He opposed the arrest of Haredi draft dodgers, calling it "unacceptable," but did not commit to passing the law before a new government is formed. Opposition leaders strongly condemned Netanyahu's remarks, accusing him of trading draft evasion for political support.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed to advance the ultra-Orthodox draft exemption law in the next term.
- Netanyahu called the arrest of Haredi draft dodgers "unacceptable" but supported drafting those not studying.
- He did not commit to passing the draft exemption law before the next government is formed.
- Opposition leaders accused Netanyahu of making a deal for ultra-Orthodox support in exchange for draft exemptions.
- Netanyahu expressed surprise at Donald Trump's endorsement, stating he did not request it.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has committed to continuing the advancement of legislation granting draft exemptions to the ultra-Orthodox community in the next term. In an interview with Kol Barama radio, Netanyahu stated his intention to move forward with regulating the exemption for Haredim, though he did not guarantee its completion before the formation of a new government. He also voiced opposition to the arrest of draft dodgers, calling it "unacceptable."
Netanyahu acknowledged frustration within the ultra-Orthodox community, noting that the draft exemption bill was close to passing previously, lacking only one vote. He expressed his belief that passing the law would solidify the relationship between secular and ultra-Orthodox Israelis for generations, respecting the Torah world while ensuring a renewed burden-sharing. However, when pressed on whether the law would be enacted before the next government is sworn in, he remained non-committal, citing the need for goodwill and cooperation.
Addressing the issue of draft dodgers, Netanyahu reiterated his stance that their arrest is "unacceptable" and suggested it was an attempt to harm the process of integrating Haredim into the military without coercion. He distinguished between those studying in yeshivas and those who are not, stating that individuals not engaged in religious study should enlist.
Regarding potential political alliances, Netanyahu dismissed the possibility of ultra-Orthodox parties joining forces with Gadi Eisenkot, calling such an alternative "terrible." He expressed confidence that the ultra-Orthodox public understands the need for a new distribution of national service burdens.
In response to Netanyahu's remarks, opposition leaders sharply criticized the prime minister, accusing him of making a deal for ultra-Orthodox support in exchange for advancing the draft exemption law. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett labeled it a "draft evasion for rule" deal, while Yair Lapid called it a "disgusting deal." Gadi Eisenkot stated the upcoming election is between Netanyahu's "draft evasion government" and his "Zionist enlistment government." Avigdor Lieberman criticized Netanyahu's opposition to the arrests, calling him a "hostage to draft dodgers."
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