Reservist Condemns Netanyahu for Using Military Service as Political Spin Ahead of Elections

Haim Goldberg, an Israeli reservist, publicly criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for politicizing the issue of military conscription, which Goldberg describes as a deeply personal and painful reality for him and his fellow reservists. Goldberg recounts the sacrifices made during hundreds of days of reserve duty, including lost years, family anxiety, and friends who did not return. He expresses disillusionment after revelations that the apparent political conflict between Netanyahu's Likud party and the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism over conscription was staged to gain electoral advantage.

Goldberg highlights that while the public witnessed a theatrical dispute, funds continued to be quietly allocated to yeshivas, and efforts to pass genuine conscription legislation were undermined, consistent with the past three years. He condemns Netanyahu for previously supporting laws that facilitated draft evasion and for repeatedly prioritizing alliances with ultra-Orthodox parties over military interests. Now, facing declining poll numbers, Netanyahu promises to enforce conscription, a move Goldberg views as insincere political maneuvering.

As a lifelong Likud supporter and right-wing voter, Goldberg states this experience has shaken his trust, making his voting decision uncertain for the first time. He demands honesty and respect for those who serve, rejecting the use of their sacrifices as political tools. Goldberg calls for an end to what he calls a "coordinated show" and insists that the reality of military service is not a political spin but the essence of his life and those of many others.