Smotrich Urges Haredi Draft Participation While Warning Against Left-Wing Government
In a recent interview with Olam Katan, Bezalel Smotrich addressed the growing rift between the Haredi community and the Religious Zionist sector over the issue of military conscription. He acknowledged the justified anger within the Religious Zionist public regarding the Haredim's exemption from service and their perceived lack of shared national burden during recent years of conflict. Smotrich emphasized the need for genuine partnership from the Haredi community in the national effort, including increased public support for soldiers and their families, such as organizing mass prayers and visiting wounded soldiers and bereaved families.
Smotrich recounted questioning prominent Haredi leaders like Moshe Gafni and Aryeh Deri about why the Haredi community has not yet organized collective prayers for soldiers or shown more visible solidarity with those affected by military service. He proposed initiatives involving older Haredi women assisting families of reservists to foster closer ties and shared responsibility.
Despite his criticism, Smotrich advocated for a consensual approach to drafting Haredim, suggesting legislation aiming for a 50% enlistment rate within five years, supported by both sanctions and active Haredi leadership involvement. He warned against fracturing the national camp, stressing that maintaining political alliances with Haredi parties is preferable to forming a left-wing government.
Smotrich specifically criticized figures like Yair Golan and Gadi Eizenkot, claiming their participation in government would lead to evacuations of settlements and a return to Oslo Accords policies. He dismissed the term "separation" as a euphemism for establishing a Palestinian state and accused even Eizenkot of holding leftist views on the matter.
Additionally, Smotrich condemned protest leaders for failing to denounce Arab terrorism, including the recent murder of two youths near Gilead Farm. He concluded by urging the national camp to continue leading Israel, strengthening security, settlement, and Jewish identity, while insisting that the Haredim must share in the national mission without easing their obligations.
