Naftali Bennett Excludes Deri and Gafni from Government Over Haredi Draft Opposition

On August 12, 2026, Naftali Bennett announced that Aryeh Deri and Moshe Gafni would not be part of his government due to their opposition to drafting Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) Jews into the military. Bennett emphasized his commitment to this policy and criticized settler violence, labeling it as "terror." He also outlined a plan aimed at reducing the high cost of living in Israel.

Bennett shared a new personal routine where he spends about an hour and a half each morning at the military recruitment center meeting new conscripts before traveling across the country. Recently, he visited northern Israeli towns including Kiryat Shmona, Hatzor HaGlilit, and the Hula Valley, highlighting the difficult conditions in these areas.

His statements reflect a firm stance on integrating the Haredi community into national service and addressing social and security challenges, signaling a clear break from political figures opposing these measures. Bennett’s approach indicates a focus on national unity and economic reforms as part of his government agenda.