Ex-Defense Official in Gadi Eizenkot’s Party Calls to Dismantle Haredi Autonomy

Inbar Harosh-Giti, a former senior official in Israel’s Ministry of Defense involved in Haredi recruitment initiatives such as "Kudkod," has sparked controversy with her recent statements. Now running with Gadi Eizenkot’s party "Yashar!," she declared in a radio interview that efforts to recruit Haredim to the IDF must go beyond military service and include dismantling the Haredi community’s autonomy. Harosh-Giti, who helped establish Haredi Hesder yeshivas and other integration projects, said, "To do this, there is no choice but to dismantle the Haredi autonomy. It’s not just about recruitment, it’s about education, economy, and service."

Speaking on the "Hitorerut" program on Kol Chai radio, she warned against initiatives that might keep Benjamin Netanyahu as prime minister, calling it "very dangerous for the State of Israel." She added that the Haredi autonomy weakens Israel’s security and economy and emphasized that her approach targets all aspects of Haredi life. Harosh-Giti also stated that dialogue should avoid the top rabbis who lead the autonomy, advocating instead to bypass these intermediaries.

Her remarks have raised deep concern among parents and educators in the Haredi sector, who view the statements as an explicit attempt to alter Haredi identity, dismantle its leadership, and impose a new model of Haredi life. Critics warn this is not merely about recruitment but a broader social and spiritual transformation. Media commentator Yedidya Meir, who exposed the comments, acknowledged the good intentions of many involved but stressed the need to scrutinize the underlying forces and interests.

The controversy is expected to reignite debates within the Haredi community about Hesder yeshivas and service tracks, questioning whether these are targeted solutions for youth who drop out of study or part of a wider agenda to fundamentally reshape Haredi society.