Netanyahu Pledges to Advance Draft Exemption Law, Criticizes Draft Evasion Arrests
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to advance legislation for ultra-Orthodox draft exemptions in the next term and voiced opposition to arresting draft evaders. He expressed a desire for burden-sharing but did not commit to passing the law before a new government is formed. Opposition leaders accused Netanyahu of making a "deal for rule" to secure ultra-Orthodox support, criticizing the proposed exemption law as detrimental to the IDF and national security. Netanyahu also discussed foreign policy, including surprise at a supportive statement from U.S. President Donald Trump.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed to advance ultra-Orthodox draft exemption legislation in the next term.
- Netanyahu called the arrest of ultra-Orthodox draft evaders "unacceptable" and expressed opposition to the practice.
- Opposition leaders accused Netanyahu of a "deal for rule" to secure ultra-Orthodox support for the draft exemption law.
- Netanyahu stated he was surprised by U.S. President Donald Trump's public support for his candidacy.
- Netanyahu expressed hope for expanding the Abraham Accords and addressing the Iranian threat.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to continue advancing legislation for draft exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox community in the next term, though he stopped short of committing to its passage before the formation of a new government. In an interview with Kol Barama radio, Netanyahu stated his opposition to the arrest of draft evaders, calling it "unacceptable" and asserting that the ultra-Orthodox world, which he respects, has preserved the Jewish people. He expressed a desire to pass a law that would regulate the relationship between the ultra-Orthodox and secular populations for generations, balancing the preservation of Torah study with a renewed burden-sharing.
Netanyahu acknowledged frustration within the ultra-Orthodox community, recalling that the passage of a "real draft law" was narrowly missed due to a single vote. He indicated that while he hopes to pass the law before the next government is sworn in, he could not guarantee it, citing the need for goodwill and cooperation. He also stated that individuals not engaged in Torah study should enlist in the IDF.
Addressing concerns about potential shifts in ultra-Orthodox political alliances, Netanyahu dismissed the possibility of ultra-Orthodox parties aligning with Gadi Eisenkot as "terrible" and unlikely, emphasizing a shared heritage between the religious and national communities. He also commented on his own political future, indicating his intention to run for another term if elected.
In the interview, Netanyahu also discussed foreign policy, expressing surprise at a supportive statement from U.S. President Donald Trump, which he stated he did not solicit. He highlighted the opportunity to address the Iranian threat during Trump's remaining term and suggested that more countries are seeking to join the Abraham Accords.
Opposition leaders sharply criticized Netanyahu's remarks, accusing him of making a "deal for rule" by prioritizing the draft exemption law to secure ultra-Orthodox support. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called the law a "stamp of official state approval for the mass evasion of 120,000 healthy Haredi youth," proposing to redirect funds from evaders to soldiers. Gadi Eisenkot framed the upcoming election as a choice between Netanyahu's "evasion government" and his own "Zionist enlistment government." Avigdor Lieberman criticized Netanyahu's stance against draft evader arrests, calling him a "hostage to the evaders," and vowed to enlist everyone in the next government. Yair Lapid condemned the alleged "disgusting deal" with ultra-Orthodox leaders, claiming Netanyahu was "selling out our fighters."
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