Liberman Warns Without Universal Draft Law, Income Tax Will Rise 16% for All Israelis

Avigdor Liberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, stated at the Ynet and Yedioth Ahronoth National Security Conference that anyone who does not enlist in the IDF will be placed in a civilian service track and face penalties including loss of benefits and a criminal record. He warned that without a universal conscription law, all Israeli citizens would face at least a 16% increase in income tax.

Liberman reiterated his criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of blocking a preemptive operation that could have prevented the October 7 massacre. He revealed that in December 2016, he submitted an 11-page document to Netanyahu warning of a potential attack by Hamas’s Nukhba force, including a specific date. Liberman resigned after Netanyahu refused to authorize a preemptive strike to eliminate Hamas leadership, citing various political considerations and the transfer of Qatari funds.

He also criticized Netanyahu for blocking a 2018 preemptive strike and warned that agreements involving Qatari money amounted to capitulation to terror, harming Israel’s long-term security. Liberman stressed the need to prioritize among Israel’s six active fronts, Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, Syria, and the West Bank, and called for decisive military action within three years.

On military capabilities, Liberman advocated for establishing a ballistic missile corps capable of striking anywhere in Iran within minutes, bypassing the need for American airspace coordination. He lamented that his initiative as defense minister was shelved due to political reasons.

Regarding the draft law, Liberman proposed a simple system where all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity, must serve either in the military or civilian service. Those who refuse would lose benefits such as stipends, driving licenses, and eligibility for government jobs. He emphasized that this would create a fair queue for enlistment and ensure everyone contributes, with roles suited to individuals’ abilities and backgrounds.