Naftali Bennett Rules Out Aryeh Deri and Moshe Gafni in Future Government Over Haredi Draft Opposition

Former Prime Minister and Yachdav party leader Naftali Bennett declared on Wednesday that Aryeh Deri, head of Shas, and Moshe Gafni, leader of Degel HaTorah, will not be part of any future government he leads. Speaking in a 103fm interview, Bennett criticized the Haredi party leaders for opposing the conscription of ultra-Orthodox Jews, stating, "A draft dodger will not sit in the cabinet." He accused Deri of encouraging young Haredim not to enlist and said, "Deri and Gafni cannot be part of this government because they will not allow a single Haredi to be drafted." Bennett also condemned Deri for boasting about his grandchildren avoiding military service while sending other Israelis to fight in Lebanon and Gaza.

Addressing violence by Jewish settlers in the West Bank, Bennett emphasized that the vast majority of the 550,000 residents are law-abiding citizens who serve in the reserves and pay taxes. However, he called for strong law enforcement against the violent minority, affirming his support for administrative detentions where relevant. Bennett described the violent acts as "Jewish terror," saying, "A minority is committing terror by attacking civilians and burning homes. This is not Judaism or our values. Law is law."

Bennett also shared his recent routine of spending mornings at military recruitment centers meeting new conscripts before touring the country. He highlighted the economic challenges in northern Israel, particularly in Kiryat Shmona, where he described the situation as a "catastrophe" with 60% vacancy rates. He warned that without significant intervention, the young generation will continue to leave the region. Bennett criticized market monopolies for driving up living costs and said his party has developed plans to reduce prices by increasing competition, asserting, "I owe nothing to any monopoly or tycoon, I am simply for the public."