Opposition Leaders Condemn Aryeh Deri's Sharp Criticism of IDF Chief Amid Draft Law Dispute

A political storm erupted on Thursday following an exclusive interview with Aryeh Deri, chairman of the Shas party, on the Kikar HaShabbat studio, where he harshly criticized IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Deri accused Zamir of losing his way and attempting to aid the left-wing bloc, comments that sparked fierce backlash from opposition party leaders.

Deri, who initiated a controversial law preventing the military police from arresting yeshiva students who have become draft dodgers, clashed with Zamir, who sent a stern letter to the Prime Minister and Defense Minister warning against the legislation. This confrontation fueled Deri's anger and public attack on the military chief.

Gadi Eizenkot, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, condemned Deri's remarks as "audacious and disconnected," emphasizing that selective conscription is neither Jewish nor leadership. Eizenkot urged Deri to recognize that military service is not a political matter but a security necessity for the Jewish people in Israel.

Former Prime Minister and leader of the Yamina party, Naftali Bennett, joined the criticism, stating that Deri's attacks strengthen Israel's enemies and weaken the IDF. Bennett accused Deri of encouraging mass draft evasion and blamed him for societal division. He promised support to commanders and soldiers and vowed that the current Netanyahu-Deri-Smotrich coalition would soon be replaced.

Avigdor Lieberman, head of Yisrael Beiteinu, also rebuked Deri's audacity, highlighting the hypocrisy of Deri sitting on the security cabinet while opposing conscription for his sector's youth, whose peers serve and fight for the country. Lieberman pledged that draft-evading parties would be relegated to the opposition in the next government.

The full interview with Deri is scheduled for release later Thursday evening on Kikar HaShabbat.