Shvut Reanan Calls for Right-Wing Unity and Responsible Haredi Draft Reform
Attorney Shvut Reanan, a leading activist for Haredi conscription and co-founder of the Women’s Reserve Forum, revealed her political ambitions and criticized the Israeli government and Religious Zionism for their handling of the draft issue. In an interview with Channel 7, she emphasized that her entry into public life is driven by ideas rather than personal allegiance, and she is working to establish a new political framework. Reanan highlighted a vacuum on the right-wing, calling for broader Haredi participation in national defense and urging a responsible, inclusive approach to the conscription struggle.
Reanan joined the political initiative of the "Reservists" party to promote a responsible draft law but chose not to run in the primaries, citing concerns that internal politics would hinder the cause. She stressed that her loyalty is to the Israeli people and Torah values, not to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally. Reanan criticized the Religious Zionist Party’s shift towards ultra-Orthodox interests and expressed disappointment with recent Knesset legislation that extended regular service but failed to properly address reserve duty or enforce draft laws.
She condemned the use of confrontational tactics against the Haredi community and advocated for economic incentives to encourage enlistment rather than coercion. Reanan rejected blanket exemptions for full-time yeshiva students, emphasizing the need to treat Haredim as equal citizens who share national responsibilities. She also supported expanding frameworks like Hesder yeshivas that combine Torah study with military service, and called for maintaining culturally sensitive service options for Haredi soldiers, including women.
The October 7 terror attacks reshaped her security perspective, underscoring the need for a larger army that includes the Haredi sector. Reanan concluded with a call for unity and responsibility ahead of upcoming elections and the fast of Tisha B’Av, urging all sides to act out of love and commitment to Israel’s future.
