Netanyahu Vows to Draft Haredim, Threatens Draft Dodgers

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared his intention to draft ultra-Orthodox men into the IDF, stating, "I am dying to draft them, and we will draft them." He made these remarks in a pre-election video presented as a comedic interview with a character named 'Abu Tabla'.

Netanyahu differentiated between Torah scholars, whom he respects, and those who protest against conscription. He stated, "Torah scholars I respect, but whoever says 'we will die rather than enlist', do you know where he is going? To the stockade!" This comment refers to a severe punishment, implying draft dodgers would face harsh consequences.

The Prime Minister also highlighted his role in establishing dedicated Haredi units within the army, citing the "Hasmonean Brigade" as an example of their combat effectiveness. He said, "I established the Hasmonean Brigade, they fight like great warriors."

These statements come amid significant political tension surrounding the conscription status of yeshiva students. Ultra-Orthodox parties have recently adopted a firm stance, conditioning their support for Netanyahu's bloc on concrete actions regarding yeshiva students' deferment. They insist that even with a 61-seat majority, they will not join the government or support the state budget until their demands on the conscription law are met.

Yaakov Asher, chairman of the United Torah Judaism party, expressed distrust in Netanyahu and the right-wing bloc, stating in an interview, "We have a trust problem and a problem with this bloc, with Likud and its leader. What will happen the day after the elections? It's impossible to know, in any case, we are not automatically in anything!"