Former PM Naftali Bennett Rejects Coalition With Ultra-Orthodox Parties, Demands Full IDF Draft

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett broke a 5.5-year silence with the ultra-Orthodox community in an exclusive interview with Yishai Cohen, delivering a firm rejection of any future political cooperation with ultra-Orthodox parties. Bennett declared the door "closed and locked" to parties that support draft exemptions for yeshiva students, emphasizing that no coalition partner who backs such exemptions would be allowed in his cabinet. He specifically excluded Shas leader Aryeh Deri from any government role, condemning Deri’s public pride in his grandchildren avoiding military service as "immoral and un-Jewish." Bennett stressed that anyone who refuses to serve in the IDF or integrate core curriculum studies into ultra-Orthodox education should not receive government funding.

On the security front, Bennett criticized former Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot’s reluctance to declare Qatar an enemy state, calling Qatar a "deadly enemy" that financed the October 7 terror attacks and operates the most antisemitic media outlet in the Arab world. He pledged that if he returns to power, he would officially designate Qatar as an enemy. Regarding Benjamin Netanyahu, Bennett reaffirmed he would not join a government led by Netanyahu, whom he holds responsible for the October 7 massacre, but said he does not wish to see Netanyahu imprisoned, preferring a dignified retirement.

Bennett also addressed the upcoming elections, stating his priority is to secure a victory for the "change bloc" and bring about historic reforms, particularly integrating the ultra-Orthodox community into Israeli society and the workforce. He defended his alliance with Yair Lapid as a leadership example of unity despite ideological differences. Bennett outlined his draft plan: those who do not enlist or work will not receive state funds, and ultra-Orthodox education must include core subjects like math, English, and civics. He rejected the notion of "exemptions" as a dangerous illusion threatening Israel’s future.

Responding to criticism that his previous government gave too many concessions to ultra-Orthodox parties, Bennett acknowledged past mistakes and said the current reality demands change. He proposed creating frameworks such as Hesder yeshivas along Israel’s borders to allow ultra-Orthodox soldiers to maintain their religious lifestyle. Bennett insisted he would provide conditions for ultra-Orthodox soldiers to remain observant but refused to guarantee every recruit would remain ultra-Orthodox, emphasizing parental responsibility in religious education.

In conclusion, Bennett made clear that any party supporting draft exemptions or the status quo in ultra-Orthodox enlistment would be excluded from his future government, closing the door on ultra-Orthodox parties despite their recent distancing from Netanyahu. He also stated he would not support a government reliant on Arab parties. On Netanyahu’s legal situation, Bennett said he does not want to see him imprisoned but prefers he step down and retire peacefully.