Yair Golan Sparks Controversy Over Haredi Draft Comments and Calls for Inclusive Service

Yair Golan, chairman of the Democratic Party, ignited a political storm after remarks he made at a conference about a month ago resurfaced on Wednesday. Golan addressed the issue of drafting Haredi Jews into the Israeli military, describing the community as "a group lacking education" and emphasizing that conscription cannot be implemented immediately or universally. He stated, "We do not want to draft all Haredim tomorrow morning," explaining that such a move would be impractical due to the need for separate conditions for men and the challenges posed by drafting individuals with low motivation, education, or physical ability.

Golan framed the drafting of Haredim, Arabs, and Haredi women as gradual processes requiring systemic changes. He advocated for a broad restructuring of national service to include various frameworks beyond the IDF, such as Magen David Adom, firefighting, police, prisons, and hospitals. He also highlighted the growing size of recruitment cohorts, warning that the military cannot expand proportionally.

In response to the backlash, Golan issued a clarification reaffirming his support for universal conscription, stating, "Drafting for everyone. Period." He criticized the current government for failing on multiple fronts, including Iran, Gaza, and Lebanon, and for passing laws that he said shifted the burden unfairly onto soldiers and reservists. Golan, a former IDF deputy chief of staff, insisted that all Israelis must serve either in the military or in full national service without exemptions or loopholes.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir condemned Golan's remarks, labeling him "a hater of Israel" and "self-hating anti-Semite" who spreads racist blood libels against the Haredi sector. Ben-Gvir noted that 1,400 Haredim have already been recruited into border police, police, and national security bodies. He announced that the Otzma Yehudit party would petition the Central Elections Committee to disqualify Golan from running for the Knesset due to his "repugnant racism."