MK Meirav Ben Ari Publicly Apologizes to MK Moshe Abutbul Over False Draft Evasion Claim

A heated dispute between Knesset members Meirav Ben Ari (Yesh Atid) and Moshe Abutbul (Shas) concluded with a public apology by Ben Ari during a Knesset plenary session on Wednesday evening. The controversy began earlier that day when Abutbul was interviewed on Reshet Bet radio about the issue of ultra-Orthodox military conscription. Following his interview, Ben Ari commented on his statements, calling him a "draft evader" and questioning his military service.

Abutbul immediately challenged the claim on air, clarifying that he had served in the Israel Defense Forces and even disclosed his military ID number (3619778) to refute the allegation. Later, Abutbul condemned Ben Ari's remarks as defamatory, stating, "Even when there is nothing to respond to, one must not lie. This is a slander worthy of a libel suit."

During the Knesset session, Ben Ari addressed the chamber with a personal statement, apologizing for her earlier comments. She said, "When I am wrong, I apologize. I also apologized personally to MK Abutbul, and he accepted my apology." This public apology effectively ended the day's public confrontation, which had centered on the false accusation regarding Abutbul's military service.