Religious Zionism Candidate Suggests 'Have Children' to Solve Soldier Shortage
Translated & summarized from Kipa by baba
A designated Israeli lawmaker, Itamar Eitam, suggested that the public "have children" to address a critical shortage of combat soldiers, stating the issue would not be solved by ultra-Orthodox conscription. Another MK, Naoor Shiri, responded that the idea was "not funny" and reiterated that ultra-Orthodox men are not yet being drafted. Eitam, who was wounded in combat, has served extensive reserve duty.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Itamar Eitam suggested Israelis "have children" to solve a severe combat soldier shortage.
- MK Naoor Shiri called Eitam's suggestion "not funny" and noted ultra-Orthodox men are not yet drafted.
- Eitam was severely wounded by a sniper but returned to command troops in Gaza and Lebanon.
- Eitam has accumulated nearly 700 days of reserve duty since October 7.
- Eitam previously led the "Tzav 9" movement before joining the Religious Zionism party.
Itamar Eitam, a designated Member of Knesset for the Religious Zionism party, proposed a solution to the severe shortage of combat soldiers by urging the serving public to "have more children" to increase troop numbers. "Have children, there is a shortage of personnel, and it won't come from the Haredim (ultra-Orthodox), it will come from you, and I'm not joking," Eitam stated during a panel discussion.
Fellow panelist and Member of Knesset Naoor Shiri responded, "By the way, that wasn't funny. Have children because we still won't draft Haredim." Eitam, who was severely wounded by sniper fire during the war but returned to the battlefield, has served nearly 700 days of reserve duty since October 7. He previously led the "Tzav 9" movement and commanded the reconnaissance battalion of the Bislach Brigade in battles in Gaza and Lebanon since the war's commencement.