Degel HaTorah Declines to Respond to Netanyahu's Criticism of Draft Freeze Law

Degel HaTorah has chosen not to respond to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent briefings criticizing the draft freeze law, viewing engagement as unnecessary and potentially escalating conflict. During a faction meeting on Sunday, Knesset members from Degel HaTorah described the move by Likud as a misguided election tactic that has reignited public debate over the ultra-Orthodox draft issue, ultimately harming Netanyahu and his party. They stated, "This is what they cooked up for themselves," and emphasized that responding would only give the briefing more attention.

In contrast, the head of United Torah Judaism, Rabbi Yitzhak Goldknopf, openly criticized Netanyahu following the reports. He referenced a statement by journalist Amit Segal, noting that Netanyahu admitted the draft freeze law "did not succeed," which confirmed their initial stance that the Prime Minister does not intend to regulate the status of yeshiva students or advance a draft law, leading to their departure from the government.

Criticism of the briefing also came from outside the ultra-Orthodox parties. On Channel 14's "The Patriots" panel, commentators like Yinon Magal and Yotam Zamir expressed that the Prime Minister's office's announcement was unnecessary and counterproductive. Zamir supported the draft freeze law, arguing that Torah students should not be arrested and questioned why the government would declare the effort a failure.

The briefing from Netanyahu's circle claimed the draft freeze law aimed to reduce tensions and increase ultra-Orthodox enlistment, but since the effort "did not succeed," no such law will be pursued in the next government. Netanyahu reportedly said in a closed discussion that after the elections, a broad national government will be formed to pass a "full draft law meeting IDF needs," adding, "Those who do not study Torah will enlist or go to jail."