IDF Rejects Criticism of Chief of Staff Over Opposition to Draft Law for Ultra-Orthodox

Israeli Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi has faced intense political attacks and calls for resignation following his opposition to a controversial law aimed at preventing the arrest of ultra-Orthodox draft evaders. The law, which was approved by the Knesset but later frozen by the Supreme Court, sparked severe criticism within the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), with military officials warning it would severely undermine the army's ability to recruit ultra-Orthodox soldiers.

A senior security source responded to the attacks on Kochavi, stating that such criticism weakens the military's leadership and morale. "When the Chief of Staff is attacked, what message does that send to company commanders, battalion commanders, and soldiers?" the source said. The official emphasized that Kochavi has consistently stood for the army’s values and needs, and remains determined to uphold them despite political pressure.

The controversy centers on the draft exemption law for yeshiva students, which the IDF views as discriminatory and harmful to its recruitment efforts. Military officials described the law as "severe discrimination between blood and blood in a law that is neither ethical nor moral." Kochavi sent letters to the Prime Minister, Defense Minister, and the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairman expressing his opposition to the bill, which was advancing toward further readings in the Knesset.

The IDF stresses that passing the law would remove a critical tool that has successfully encouraged ultra-Orthodox enlistment. Kochavi’s warnings and red flags to political leaders have led to backlash from coalition members and media aligned with them, but the Chief of Staff remains resolute in defending the army’s operational and ethical standards.