Lieberman's Draft Law Compromise Sparks Political Outrage

Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, announced Friday his willingness to compromise on the controversial draft law as part of efforts to form a government. This statement triggered sharp reactions from political rivals who pointed to a perceived contradiction between his current stance and his campaign promises. United Torah Judaism MK Yaakov Asher noted the recent incitement against the Haredi public.

Lieberman stated that while he opposes a government reliant on the abstention of the Ra'am and Joint List parties, he is open to compromise on other issues, including the draft law. He explained that the national interest necessitates a readiness for "painful compromises." MK Itamar Ben-Gvir responded sarcastically, posting an image of Lieberman with the caption "100% I worked you! 0% for soldiers! A word is a word," accompanied by a laughing emoji.

Prime Minister's advisor Topaz Lok criticized the move as a "union of swindlers," sharing a screenshot of Lieberman's past declaration: "The first law we will enact in the next government will be a draft law for everyone, with a necessary sanction: if you don't enlist, you don't vote. No more excuses. Everyone must enlist."

MK Yoaz Hendel attacked the willingness to compromise, using the derogatory term "mass draft evasion" to describe the proposed arrangement for yeshiva students. He questioned how Lieberman's party differed from other politicians if they were willing to advance "mass draft evasion" for the sake of power, accusing them of abandoning promises to reservists.

Journalist Hagai Segal cynically commented that the meaning of "A word is a word" has become "true for the moment" in light of election results. Likud MK Ariel Kallner argued that the real dispute is over the goals of partnering with Haredi parties, framing it as a choice between enabling Haredi demands for victory in war and building the land, or the left offering them more in exchange for surrender in war and destruction of the land.

Journalist Fried focused on the draft law's central role in Lieberman's messaging over the years, calling it a long-standing political flag alongside the "A word is a word" promise. He accused the "bloc" of breaking promises, with Lieberman going further than others.

Conversely, MK Asher expressed pleasure at the flexibility shown by political players on the draft issue, lamenting that such flexibility could have prevented much incitement and hatred if displayed in previous years. He clarified that any political proposal would first be presented to senior rabbinical authorities for their decision.