Ex-IDF Chief Gadi Eizenkot Accuses Shas Leader Aryeh Deri of Misusing Soldiers in Campaign Video

Gadi Eizenkot, former Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces and current chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, sent a warning letter on Sunday morning to Aryeh Deri, leader of the Shas party. Eizenkot demanded the removal of a campaign video by 11:00 a.m., alleging it misuses IDF soldiers and the party's voting slip for political propaganda. The letter claims the video falsely implies that the IDF endorses Shas and explicitly states that over 30,000 soldiers and reservists voted for the party, while the party allegedly promotes draft evasion.

Eizenkot further accused Shas of advancing legislation favoring those who refuse military service, placing the burden of defense solely on those who serve. He cited past statements by Deri expressing pride in family members who do not serve in the military. The letter condemned the use of soldiers as a backdrop for election propaganda that glorifies draft evasion.

Additionally, the letter pointed out that the video includes the party's ballot letters, violating Section 7 of the Election Propaganda Law, which prohibits displaying party letters within 42 days before elections. Eizenkot's letter underscores the tension between Shas's political messaging and military service obligations in Israel.