Opposition and Likud Lawmakers Criticize Netanyahu Over Failed Draft Law Spin

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks in a closed-door meeting about the failure of the "Temporary Arrests Law" to halt enforcement against yeshiva students who did not enlist sparked widespread political backlash on Sunday. Netanyahu stated the law did not achieve its goal and would not be advanced in the next government, promising instead to form a broad national government to pass a full draft law compelling non-Torah learners to enlist or face jail.

Opposition leaders and some Likud members sharply condemned Netanyahu, accusing him of political spin aimed at stalling a drop in his poll ratings. Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yisrael! party and former IDF Chief of Staff, called Netanyahu "the prime minister of failure on October 7" who continues to evade responsibility and fears a state inquiry. He criticized Netanyahu for passing a "despicable draft evasion law" that weakens the IDF just weeks ago.

Former Prime Minister and Yachdav party leader Naftali Bennett said Netanyahu has blocked Haredi enlistment for four years, ignored military warnings, and that his spin will not convince soldiers or reservists. Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman accused Netanyahu of deflecting from his failures and warned he cannot form a government without draft evaders. Democratic Party leader Yair Golan called the leaks from the closed meeting cynical spin by someone disconnected from Israel’s security needs.

Likud MK Dan Illouz, who opposes the Temporary Arrests Law and plans to leave Likud, accused Netanyahu of pandering to ultra-Orthodox demands and misleading the public. Former minister Gilad Erdan, preparing to launch a new party, dismissed promises about enlistment and unity, saying he will not join a narrow government.

The controversy follows a Supreme Court hearing on the law, where the Knesset legal advisor admitted the legislation did not meet parliamentary standards, and the state prosecution criticized the legislative process, noting the law never passed a first reading and should not be considered valid.