Shas Leader Aryeh Deri Accuses IDF Chief of Staff of Political Bias and Undermining Military

Aryeh Deri, chairman of the Shas party and initiator of the 'Draft Evasion Law,' launched a sharp attack against the IDF Chief of Staff during an interview with Yishai Cohen on Kikar HaShabbat. Deri criticized the Chief of Staff for sending a warning letter to the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee opposing the law, accusing him of mixing politics with the military and causing significant damage to the Israel Defense Forces.

Deri stated, "He is a friend of mine, I respect him, and I have defended him many times, but unfortunately, for a long time now, I see that he has lost it." He accused the Chief of Staff of trying to support the left-wing bloc during the election period, calling it a dangerous precedent that harms the military's neutrality.

He further condemned the Chief of Staff for focusing on defending his reputation instead of addressing the issue, noting that the draft evasion arrests would not increase enlistment. Deri also criticized the silence of the Chief of Staff despite the Defense Minister and Prime Minister urging the committee to advance the law without arrests.

This confrontation highlights tensions between political leadership and military command over the handling of draft evasion and the military's role in political matters. The debate continues as the Knesset committee considers the proposed legislation.