Orthodox Newspapers Criticize Netanyahu Over Draft Exemptions

Orthodox newspapers, often acting as mouthpieces for political parties, have sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. On Monday, November 9, the Gur Hasidic newspaper "Ha-Modia" published an editorial, while "Ha-Mevaser," associated with Member of Knesset Meir Porush, ran a more scathing column. The United Torah Judaism party has not denied contacts with the "change bloc" but its Knesset members rarely discuss it publicly. However, a highly influential Gur Hasidic faction has openly expressed anger towards Netanyahu, expecting to join a coalition that would resolve the issue of military draft exemptions for young yeshiva students. Their representative in the Knesset, Yitzhak Goldknopf, is a prominent supporter of a government led by the Prime Minister among the Orthodox factions. "Ha-Modia" stated that United Torah Judaism did not recommend a candidate for government formation, unlike other parties, due to the crisis surrounding Torah scholars. The newspaper emphasized that joining the government is not an end in itself, but the primary criterion is the government's ability to ensure the continuation of Torah study and the status of yeshiva students. "United Torah Judaism cannot be satisfied with just a written and signed commitment, because experience shows it has no force," the article read. "This time, appropriate guarantees are needed." The paper recalled Netanyahu's failure to meet Orthodox demands in agreements before the formation of the outgoing government. The Gur Hasidim have been known opponents of Netanyahu since the middle of the previous Knesset's term. Surprisingly similar sentiments appeared in "Ha-Mevaser," the organ of MK Meir Porush, who heads a faction of Agudat Yisrael close to Netanyahu. The column there was even harsher in tone, stating, "For four years, we were led by the nose. Another round, another delay, stubborn MKs categorically refuse to exempt yeshiva students from conscription, while others only hesitate. This is happening even though it concerns a law that is very bad for the world of Torah, with sanctions or at least significant restrictions for yeshiva students." The author noted that "a solution promoted by the left will not face resistance from the legal system, which is identified with them, even if a similar solution from the right would be blocked." The column concluded by questioning whether Netanyahu and Religious Zionism would learn from their current lesson if the Prime Minister's attempts fail and new elections are held, and the right gains a majority to form a government with the Orthodox, or if they would again succumb to "left-wing propaganda" and create problems for yeshiva students.