Haredi Hesder Yeshiva Head Criticizes Netanyahu for Blocking Ultra-Orthodox IDF Recruitment Efforts

Rabbi Yonatan Reis, head of the Haredi Hesder yeshiva network "Chadwata" and a leading advocate for ultra-Orthodox enlistment in the Israel Defense Forces, sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a Monday interview with Reshet Bet. Reis accused Netanyahu of halting government initiatives aimed at increasing Haredi recruitment and claimed that Haredi political activists obstructed government decisions intended to support enlistees.

Reis explained that Hesder yeshiva teams had presented the government with a comprehensive plan to significantly boost the number of Haredi recruits. They explicitly requested a serious government resolution to support these recruits, proposing a program that could close the IDF's manpower gaps and even create a surplus. However, Reis said the government failed to advance these measures. He accused Netanyahu of cynically manipulating parts of the plan without genuine support, actively stopping legislation, and blocking non-legislative actions that could have helped.

Reis further alleged that Netanyahu’s government secretary, under pressure from Haredi activists, actively obstructed funding and support for those who do enlist. He described this as "stabbing in the back," noting that despite the challenges faced by Haredi soldiers and activists, promised government backing was withheld due to political interference. Reis also criticized Netanyahu for not issuing a government decision focused solely on supporting those who enlist, separate from broader debates over the conscription law or issues like draft evasion.

The criticism extended to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, whom Reis accused of failing to allocate promised budget funds for Haredi recruitment projects. Reis said that despite assurances, no money was provided in the recent state budget, and even previously allocated funds remain stuck in bureaucracy. He emphasized that if Smotrich truly cared about Haredi enlistment, he could have ensured budgetary support for the entire recruitment effort.

Reis also condemned Netanyahu’s public speeches on the topic, calling them insincere and superficial. He lamented that Netanyahu never personally reached out to ask what was needed, ignored numerous requests from the Hesder network, and failed to visit or take concrete action. Reis concluded that Netanyahu only offers slogans and urged him not to "take us for a ride" regarding Haredi enlistment efforts.