Naftali Bennett Calls Aryeh Deri Anti-Zionist, Criticizes Haredi Draft Opposition

Naftali Bennett, leader of the Yachad party, sharply criticized Shas chairman Aryeh Deri and Knesset member Yitzhak Goldknopf during an interview on Kan News and Reshet Bet radio on Thursday. Bennett accused them of being "anti-Zionist," highlighting that Deri reportedly boasts about his grandchildren being draft evaders.

Regarding the controversial Haredi draft law, Bennett claimed that ultra-Orthodox politicians have no real interest in enforcing it, stating, "If you think Deri supports drafting Haredim, he does not." He also addressed the lack of core curriculum education in the Haredi community, asserting that Deri will not act to revoke benefits from those who do not work or to ensure Haredi children receive instruction in mathematics, English, civics, and Zionism. Bennett warned that ignoring this issue threatens Israel's future, noting that already 30% of Jewish first graders are Haredi.

Bennett further criticized the recent civilian nuclear agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia, calling it a "crazy diplomatic failure" by the Israeli government. He lamented that the deal was made without consulting Israel and that the government was disregarded in the process.