Retired General Moti Almoz Criticizes Israeli Government Over Haredi Draft Law and Social Division

Retired Major General Moti Almoz, former head of the IDF Manpower Directorate and military spokesperson, sharply criticized recent Israeli government votes on the Haredi draft law and deserter legislation during a Thursday interview on Radio 103FM. He described the government's actions as a de facto regime change in Israel, stating that the vote marked the fall of the government and the rise of a new leadership. Almoz condemned the discrimination he perceives between citizens, comparing it to a "finger in the eye" of the Zionist center.

Almoz highlighted the growing social divide, particularly regarding the Haredi community's reluctance to serve in the military or join the workforce. He argued that peaceful attempts to resolve this issue have failed and proposed that Haredim should receive a different form of citizenship, not a standard ID, implying they should bear the costs of social services like health insurance and national insurance themselves. He warned that Israel is effectively living with "two states" within one country, funded by the general population but largely ignored.

Despite acknowledging the heavy burden on reservists, Almoz insisted that the Zionist core will continue to serve in the military. He also criticized the public's misunderstanding of democracy, suggesting that Israelis have become subservient to the concept rather than using it to serve their interests. Using a demographic metaphor, he noted that Israel's population growth has overwhelmed existing infrastructure, calling for new solutions such as improved traffic management.

Almoz's comments reflect deep frustration with the current social and political challenges facing Israel, especially concerning military service, social equality, and governance.