Yoaz Hendel Slams Smotrich, Citing Military Weakness Over Politicization
Yoaz Hendel, chairman of the "Zionist Reservists" party, has sharply criticized Bezalel Smotrich, chairman of the Religious Zionism party, over the controversy surrounding the punishment of soldiers who refused to operate with a female paramedic. Hendel argued that Smotrich's policies are hindering the Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) ability to expand its personnel and achieve victory in the war.
"First of all, you don't refuse an order during operational activity. Let's start with that basic principle," Hendel stated. "But after saying that, if Smotrich, whom I saw giving backing, had been looking after the interests of the State of Israel instead of the interests of the ultra-Orthodox parties, then today we would have enough paramedics, including women."
Hendel elaborated, "Smotrich is personally preventing the IDF from winning the war, preventing a decisive outcome, and preventing an increase in troop numbers. If there were sufficient troop numbers in Israel, it would be possible to assign female paramedics only to departments that are not 'Bainish' departments" (referring to departments with strict gender segregation).
Hendel also addressed the recent enlistment of ultra-Orthodox men into the IDF, stating that the controversy would not deter them. He noted that units like Netzah Yehuda and the Hasmonean Brigade have full gender separation, with the Hasmonean Brigade even having a dedicated training base without women. He suggested that solutions exist to integrate Haredi and "Hardal" (modern Orthodox) individuals into the IDF, including the possibility of more strictly observant individuals serving in units with complete separation.
Regarding potential political alliances ahead of the Knesset elections, Hendel expressed his party's openness to mergers to strengthen their position, claiming they are the strongest party in their political space. He emphasized the critical nature of small vote margins in determining election outcomes and the potential for repeat elections if they are not strong enough. Hendel also commented on Ofer Winter's entry into politics, noting they had not spoken since. However, he criticized Winter's decision to align solely with Netanyahu and the ultra-Orthodox parties, asserting this would prevent decisive battlefield outcomes and military expansion. Hendel believes Winter's political role is to "perpetuate the status quo" and that aligning with ultra-Orthodox parties makes passing a conscription law and combating draft evasion impossible.
