Netanyahu Condemns 'Die Rather Than Enlist' Slogan Amid Haredi Draft Debate
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sharply criticized the extreme slogan "die rather than enlist" used by some in the Haredi community during a recent podcast interview with Channel 14 commentator Avi Shushan. Netanyahu called the phrase "a terrible sentence" and said it deserves strong condemnation, emphasizing that it is unacceptable, especially when uttered by those pretending to be Torah scholars. He vowed to address the issue decisively.
When asked if he sets boundaries with Haredi party leaders Aryeh Deri and Moshe Gafni, Netanyahu responded forcefully, saying he "takes a 20-kilogram club" and insists such behavior is out of the question. He also noted a shift in the Haredi public, citing an increase in enlistment numbers following the events of October 7, and pointed out that many Shas voters do serve in the army, so the slogan does not represent the entire community.
Netanyahu clarified that his recent legislative efforts aim to unify the nation and pass a responsible draft law. He described the current halt on arrests related to draft evasion as a temporary measure to ease tensions during this period.
The interview also touched on a personal topic: Netanyahu’s relationship with his daughter Noa from his first marriage, who became religiously observant and lives a Haredi lifestyle in Jerusalem’s Mea Shearim neighborhood. This subject has not been publicly addressed in detail before amid longstanding rumors about their relationship. After recording, Netanyahu’s office reportedly requested removal of this segment, but it remains unclear if it will be edited out. The Prime Minister’s office denied the report, and Shushan invited the public to watch the full episode when it airs.
Summary: Prime Minister Netanyahu condemned the "die rather than enlist" slogan amid the Haredi draft debate, vowed to enforce draft laws firmly, noted rising Haredi enlistment, and addressed personal family matters in a recent podcast interview.
