Lieberman's Dramatic Reversal on Haredi Draft Sparks Outrage
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
Avigdor Lieberman, leader of Yisrael Beiteinu, has faced widespread backlash for a sudden reversal on his long-standing demand for Haredi military conscription. His campaign was built on this principle, yet he recently signaled a willingness to compromise with Haredi parties for coalition formation. This dramatic shift, occurring just weeks after the election, has been criticized as a betrayal of voters and a further erosion of public trust in politicians. Lieberman reportedly cited preventing national disaster as his reason for the change.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Avigdor Lieberman reversed his core campaign promise on Haredi military conscription.
- Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu party campaigned on 100% conscription for Haredim.
- A campaign banner demanding Haredi conscription was removed after Lieberman's shift.
- Critics accuse Lieberman of betraying voters and eroding public trust.
- Lieberman cited preventing national disaster as the reason for his compromise.
- Lieberman was recently appointed chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.
Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, has drawn sharp criticism for a sudden and dramatic shift in his stance on the military conscription of Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) men. Lieberman, who had built a significant part of his political platform on demanding full military service from the Haredi community, recently signaled a willingness to compromise with them in coalition talks. This abrupt change has been met with disbelief and anger from both the political left and right, as well as from the public.
During the recent election campaign, Lieberman vehemently opposed any concessions to the Haredi parties regarding draft exemptions, even vowing to "take them with a wheelbarrow to the dump." His campaign materials and public statements consistently emphasized the need for "100% for those who serve, 0% for draft dodgers." This core principle was a central tenet of his party for years, presented as a matter of principle and a crucial challenge for the upcoming elections.
However, just a week and a half after election day, Lieberman announced his readiness for a compromise. This reversal was so swift that a large campaign banner in Jerusalem reading "100% for those who serve, 0% for draft dodgers" was urgently removed. The article contrasts Lieberman's rapid about-face with other politicians' broken promises, arguing that his zigzag is unprecedented in its speed and totality, likening it to a "U-turn on a highway in front of a traffic cop."
Critics question how this 180-degree turn aligns with Lieberman's long-held reputation as a man of "iron principles" and his party's official platform, which still details strict measures against draft evasion. The article suggests this shift not only betrays his voters but also further erodes public trust in the political system. Lieberman reportedly justified his new position by citing the need to prevent a "third Temple destruction," though the author suggests a national unity government, even one requiring compromise on other issues, would be a more reasonable approach.
In related news, Lieberman was recently appointed chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, a position he accepted despite potential conflicts of interest, stating he would adhere to the strictest rules.
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