Haredi MK Shabtai Katchash Joins Likud, Advocates Torah and IDF Service Integration
Shabtai Katchash, a Haredi lawyer and chairman of the religious council in Lod, is set to enter the Knesset as a Likud member, replacing Dan Illouz who resigned over opposition to the military conscription law. In an interview with Netanel Isaac on the Srugim website, Katchash emphasized his loyalty to Likud and criticized Illouz’s departure, stating that coalition discipline requires members to act beyond personal ideology.
Katchash advocates a pragmatic approach to the conscription issue, promoting a balance between strengthening Torah study and ensuring military service for those not engaged in religious study. He described this dual commitment as two essential pillars of the Jewish people: Torah and IDF soldiers. A member of the Chabad Hasidic movement, Katchash shared that both his sons are serving or preparing to serve in the IDF, reflecting his belief in integrating religious life with national service, inspired by the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s teachings.
Addressing criticism of the Haredi influence within Likud, Katchash highlighted the party’s democratic nature and its diverse membership, including about 30,000 Haredi members. He stressed that Likud is not sectorial but represents all segments of Israeli society.
Katchash also sharply criticized the ongoing trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling it a politically motivated persecution and urging an immediate halt to the proceedings to allow Netanyahu to focus on national matters, especially during wartime. Regarding the October 7 security failure, Katchash blamed the military leadership, specifically former Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot, for operational failures and called for accountability.
Finally, Katchash identified himself as a representative of the Georgian Jewish community in Israel and a committed advocate for the Land of Israel, opposing the disengagement plan and supporting settlement and sovereignty in Judea and Samaria. He concluded with a call for unity and hopes to bring a unifying voice to the Knesset soon.
