Religious Zionist Reservist Criticizes Party’s Support for Haredi Demands on Torah Study and Draft Law
A member of the Religious Zionist reservists forum has publicly criticized the Religious Zionist Party’s support for legislation promoting Torah study and opposing military conscription reforms, accusing the party of capitulating to Haredi demands and harming serving soldiers. Last week, the Knesset passed the Basic Law on Torah Study in its first reading, with upcoming discussions expected on a temporary order to cancel arrests of draft dodgers, which applies exclusively to the Haredi community. The forum member argues that the legislative process is advancing rapidly without regard for the impact on reservists.
He highlights a dual narrative from Haredi politicians and activists, who externally present the law as symbolic and focused on honoring Torah study, while internally promoting it as a practical tool to resist conscription. He points out the paradox that Religious Zionist Party leader Bezalel Smotrich and his members are spearheading this legislation, despite publicly downplaying its practical effects. Smotrich reportedly met with Hesder yeshiva heads, warning that failure to pass the law would lead to further restrictions on their community, ignoring dissenting yeshiva leaders.
The reservist accuses the Religious Zionist Party of primarily representing the interests of the Haredi-Zionist segment rather than the broader Religious Zionist public, noting that party leaders have refused to meet with representatives of thousands of Religious Zionist reservists. He also criticizes the party’s rhetoric, which echoes Haredi politicians’ anti-army sentiments, and laments the party’s failure to address the needs of Religious Zionists living outside Judea and Samaria, including Jerusalem and central Israel.
The writer further condemns party figures for speaking with two voices: publicly addressing the Religious Zionist community while mainly catering to the Haredi-Zionist fringe. He notes that only about 35% of Religious Zionist recruits serve through the Hesder program, yet the party ignores this reality. He also recounts a dismissive comment by MK Orit Strook, who told a reservist complaining about the hardships of service that if military service is his priority, he should not vote for them. The author, a tank commander currently on reserve duty, contrasts this attitude with the empathy expected from commanders and declares his intention not to vote for the party anymore.
This critique reflects growing frustration among Religious Zionist reservists who feel marginalized by their political representatives’ alignment with Haredi interests and the neglect of their own service burdens.
