Israeli Leaders Condemn New Basic Law Legalizing Draft Evasion, Promise Repeal

Naftali Bennett, chairman of the "Beyachad" party, announced on social media platform X that his party will repeal the recently enacted Basic Law that legitimizes draft evasion as soon as the new government is formed. Bennett criticized the law, calling it a disgrace and stating that while the law will disappear, the stigma on the Knesset members who supported it will remain.

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the "Yashar! Im Eisenkot" party and former IDF Chief of Staff, condemned the law as a direct attack on Israel's national backbone. He highlighted the increasing burden and heavy price borne by those serving in the military, contrasting it with the coalition's decision to create a legal loophole for draft evasion. Eisenkot emphasized that while Torah study is a significant value in Israel, it should not be used as a political cover to neglect the country's defense duties.

Eisenkot further criticized the lawmakers who voted in favor of the Basic Law, accusing them of prioritizing the survival of the government over the strength of the Israel Defense Forces and Israeli society. The controversy reflects ongoing tensions in Israeli politics regarding military service exemptions and the balance between religious study and national defense obligations.