Shas MK Michael Malchieli Criticizes Gadi Eizenkot as Controlled by Kaplenist Elements
During a Shas rally in Bnei Brak opposing the military draft, former Chief Rabbi Aryeh Yazdi delivered a harsh speech condemning the IDF Chief of Staff, calling him "accursed." Four Shas MKs, including Michael Malchieli, took the stage shortly after. Malchieli, a senior party member close to leader Aryeh Deri, stated he arrived after the inciting remarks and condemned them in a radio interview soon after. The rally was led by former Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, son of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef and president of Shas' Council of Torah Sages.
Malchieli acknowledged Shas is increasingly aligning with the ultra-Orthodox Ashkenazi parties in opposing the draft exemption law, joining protests against arrests of draft dodgers. He admitted participating in a convoy protest following party instructions but emphasized the need for a legal solution. He defended the Torah study exemption as a protection for a large public that believes Torah study safeguards Israel.
Addressing criticism from the national-religious camp, Malchieli accused them of political opportunism to avoid the electoral threshold and criticized their campaign against Shas. He also defended Shas' social stance and its commitment to both Torah learners and soldiers.
Malchieli criticized the Israeli judiciary and some coalition members for blocking draft exemption legislation, blaming senior Likud figures and the Justice Ministry. He expressed pride in supporting arrested draft dodgers, viewing them as representatives of a persecuted community.
Regarding Prime Minister Netanyahu, Malchieli said Shas is loyal to the right-wing bloc but not necessarily to Netanyahu personally, citing the party’s withdrawal from the government over the draft law failure. He dismissed suggestions Shas might join a non-right-wing coalition and criticized former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot, calling him a "Moroccan peripheral" figure controlled by Kaplenist elements and lacking sensitivity to Torah learners.
Malchieli condemned calls for a government without Haredim as hateful and antisemitic, asserting the Haredi community is the most persecuted in Israel. He rejected accusations that Shas and other Haredi parties are societal parasites, emphasizing their loyalty and social contributions. The interview reflects Shas’ complex position balancing political alliances, social identity, and opposition to military conscription reforms.
