MK Efrat Rayten Defends Yair Golan on Haredi Draft, Criticizes Government Inaction

MK Efrat Rayten of the Democratic Party defended former IDF Deputy Chief of Staff Yair Golan's remarks on the challenges of drafting Haredi Israelis into the military. Speaking on August 5, 2026, Rayten emphasized that it is unrealistic to send out 70,000 draft orders in a single day, highlighting the logistical difficulties involved. She stressed that the issue is not only about the Haredi community but also includes the Arab sector, advocating for equal military service obligations across all groups.

Rayten criticized the current government for failing to address the draft crisis effectively, calling previous legislative attempts "a waste of time and resources" that did not meet the needs of the Israel Defense Forces or promote equality. She called on the next government to implement immediate reforms to resolve what she described as Israel's most significant crisis.

Regarding concerns about potential reductions in flight operations around the upcoming elections, Rayten expressed suspicion about the government's vague response, which cited only adherence to the law. She suggested these fears about government conduct are justified, implying possible election-related manipulation.

Rayten's comments come amid ongoing debates over military conscription equality and the political tensions surrounding the 2026 elections. She underscored the need for clear decisions on national identity and crisis management moving forward.