Haredi Weekly Criticizes Deri and Gafni for Political Maneuvering Over Draft Exemption Law

The Haredi weekly newspaper "B’Kehila," one of the most widely read in the ultra-Orthodox sector, launched a sharp critique against veteran politicians Aryeh Deri and Moshe Gafni. The paper accused them of wasting valuable political capital by pushing a draft exemption law for yeshiva students that was doomed to fail, using it primarily as an election campaign tool rather than a genuine legislative effort. The headline on the weekly’s cover read "They Burned the Defense," referring to the failed attempt to secure a stable exemption from military service for the Haredi community.

Editor-in-chief Shlomo Cook wrote that despite the law passing in the Knesset, the Supreme Court immediately issued an interim injunction freezing its implementation, leaving yeshiva students without the intended protection. A senior Haredi legal expert interviewed by the paper warned that the rushed legislation could actually provide legal grounds for further challenges, especially since the law linking the freeze on arrests to the Basic Law on Torah Study was seen as a strategic error. The expert said, "They fired the entire magazine for nothing," criticizing the politicians for prioritizing short-term political gains over a durable solution.

The paper also condemned the legislative process as hasty and unprofessional, noting that military representatives were excluded from discussions despite legal advice. The legal expert suggested the politicians’ goal was merely to "check a box" before the elections rather than to create a robust law. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was also criticized for abstaining from the vote on the freeze of arrests, allegedly to avoid incriminating documentation of support for the Haredi community, despite relying on their votes for years.

Internal disputes within the Haredi political factions have intensified, with some accusing Deri of pushing the law despite knowing it would be struck down, using it to deflect internal criticism. Gafni reportedly opposed the law initially, favoring more modest legislation, but was persuaded by Shas leadership to support the deal with Netanyahu. Meanwhile, a Shas insider defended Deri, saying he sought solutions patiently and was misrepresented by critics. The article reflects growing frustration and blame within the Haredi community over the failure to secure a lasting draft exemption and the political tactics surrounding it.