National Security Minister Ben Gvir Attacks Yair Golan Over Haredi Draft Comments, Threatens Disqualification

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir sharply criticized Yair Golan, chairman of the Democratic Party, over Golan's remarks on drafting Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) Jews into the military. Ben Gvir accused Golan of spreading "racist blood libels" against the Haredi community and called him a "hater of Israel" and "self-hating anti-Semite." He emphasized that his party, Otzma Yehudit, plans to petition the Central Elections Committee to disqualify Golan from running in the upcoming elections due to his "repugnant racism."

Ben Gvir highlighted that while Golan claimed Haredim are "uneducated and physically incapable," his party has already recruited 1,400 Haredim into the Border Police, police, and national security forces. The petition to disqualify Golan will be submitted immediately after the final candidate lists are filed.

The controversy stems from Golan's interview where he described the issue of drafting Haredim as a victim of "cheap populism," stating it is impractical to draft all Haredim even with a strict law. He advocated for multiple service options, including prison service, emergency medical services, and hospitals, and acknowledged the need to reorganize the system to accommodate religious sensitivities.

Golan is also embroiled in political tensions within the opposition, notably with Avigdor Lieberman, leader of Yisrael Beiteinu, who publicly opposed granting the Democratic Party key ministerial portfolios in a future government and urged Golan to remain silent to help the bloc. Golan responded by accusing Lieberman of echoing divisive messages from Netanyahu's campaign.

Otzma Yehudit representatives confirmed they will file the disqualification petition against Golan in the coming days, right after the official submission of election lists.