Naftali Bennett Criticizes Gadi Eizenkot's Soft Draft for Ultra-Orthodox Military Service

Naftali Bennett, chairman of the Yachdav party, sharply criticized Gadi Eizenkot, leader of the Yashar party, on Wednesday afternoon for proposing a softened plan regarding the conscription of ultra-Orthodox Jews into the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Bennett emphasized the need for a proactive and large military force, highlighting that the IDF currently lacks 20,000 soldiers while 100,000 healthy ultra-Orthodox youths are exempt from service. He pledged that under his leadership, the next government would conscript all eligible individuals without exemptions or political compromises.

Bennett dismissed proposals involving partial exemptions, committees, or phased plans, stating from experience that such approaches ultimately lead to no real progress and only serve the interests of naive politicians, without increasing ultra-Orthodox enlistment. He concluded by advocating for a military that is not small and clever but large, proactive, and lethal, insisting that everyone must serve without exceptions.