Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri Accuses IDF Chief of Staff of Political Bias Over Draft Law

Aryeh Deri, chairman of the Shas party and initiator of a law to freeze arrests of draft evaders, sharply criticized IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi on Thursday. Deri condemned Kochavi for sending a warning letter against the legislation, accusing him of mixing politics with military affairs and attempting to aid the left-wing bloc during the election period. "He has lost it," Deri said in an interview with Yishai Cohen on Kikar HaShabbat, emphasizing that the Chief of Staff should not engage in politics.

Deri described Kochavi's actions as a dangerous precedent that harms the Israel Defense Forces. Although Deri acknowledged his personal respect and past defense of Kochavi, he expressed disappointment, stating that Kochavi has become preoccupied with defending his reputation rather than focusing on military matters. Deri also criticized the Chief of Staff for remaining silent while the Defense Minister and Prime Minister sent a letter to the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee supporting the draft evasion arrest freeze law, which Deri claims will not affect military recruitment.

The controversy highlights tensions between political leaders and the military over the handling of draft evasion amid Israel's ongoing political debates. Deri's law aims to halt arrests of those avoiding conscription, a move opposed by Kochavi, who views it as detrimental to military discipline and readiness. The dispute reflects broader concerns about the military's role in political issues during election campaigns.