Netanyahu Faces Sharp Criticism Over Draft Law Promises From Opposition and Former Allies

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently pledged not to advance the controversial detention law again and promised to promote a comprehensive military draft law if he forms the next government. These statements, revealed from closed-door discussions, sparked intense backlash across the political spectrum, including from opposition leaders and former coalition members.

Former Likud members Gilad Erdan and Dan Illouz strongly criticized Netanyahu’s promises, questioning their credibility. Erdan dismissed the draft and unity pledges as empty, stating he would not join a narrow government. Illouz accused Netanyahu of repeatedly yielding to ultra-Orthodox demands and enabling draft evasion laws, calling the public "not stupid" for seeing through these claims.

Opposition figures also condemned Netanyahu’s remarks. Yair Golan, leader of the Democratic Party, called the leaks cynical spin from a leader disconnected from Israel’s security needs. Naftali Bennett of the Yachdut party accused Netanyahu of abusing soldiers’ trust and expecting forgiveness within three months. Avigdor Lieberman of Yisrael Beiteinu accused Netanyahu of deflecting from his failures and said no government can form without draft evaders. Even Gadi Eizenkot, head of the Yisrael party, said Netanyahu failed to rise to the moment and continued to underestimate the public’s intelligence.

The debate centers on the future of Israel’s military draft laws amid political instability and public frustration. Netanyahu’s assurances aim to address longstanding tensions over draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews, but skepticism remains high. The political fallout highlights deep divisions within and outside the ruling coalition ahead of upcoming elections.