Netanyahu Clashes with Haredi Parties Over Military Draft Deal Amid Coalition Tensions

A sharp conflict erupted between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Haredi parties following the approval of a political deal concerning military conscription. Netanyahu condemned the anti-draft slogans "We will die but not enlist" as "a terrible sentence," signaling his frustration with the Haredi stance against army service. Despite his criticism, his government advanced several laws in the Knesset's final week aimed at limiting Haredi exemptions and addressing draft evasion.

Government Secretary Yossi Fox accused Rabbi Dov Lando, a prominent Haredi leader, of blocking the draft law at the last moment after two years and 86 discussions, stating no alternative draft formula would be accepted without significant sanctions. Netanyahu’s advisor for Haredi affairs, Yonatan Urich, urged Haredi activists to "shut up for 99 days" to help secure election victory, comments that drew backlash from Haredi lawmakers who warned him to respect rabbinic authority.

The tensions extended beyond Netanyahu and the Haredi parties to include the Religious Zionist Party led by Bezalel Smotrich. Haredi media outlets sharply criticized the Religious Zionist public figures, accusing them of being manipulated and attacking Torah scholars, which they said alienates Jews from tradition. Editorials in Haredi publications described Netanyahu as joining the left-wing bloc and targeting the Haredi community after four years of political support without gains.

The dispute highlights the fragile nature of the coalition, with Netanyahu caught between maintaining Haredi support and responding to public and political pressure for equal military service. Polls indicate Netanyahu cannot form a government without the Haredi parties, who themselves have no viable alternatives due to opposition from other factions. The ongoing debate over the draft law and coalition unity remains a critical issue as Israel approaches upcoming elections.