Naftali Bennett Rules Out Coalition With Ultra-Orthodox Parties Over Draft Exemptions

Naftali Bennett, leader of the Yachdav party, has firmly ruled out any post-election cooperation with ultra-Orthodox parties. In an interview with Kikar HaShabbat, Bennett stated, "The door is closed to anyone who supports draft evasion, unequivocally." He specifically mentioned Shas leader Aryeh Deri, declaring, "There will be no draft evaders in my cabinet." Bennett also criticized the military draft plan proposed by Yisrael's leader Gadi Eizenkot, condemning the exemption of 30% of ultra-Orthodox men as "a crazy mistake." He warned that politicians like Moshe Gafni and Aryeh Deri would manipulate the current politician, resulting in a political bluff.