Co-Founder of Yoaz Hendel's Party Revealed as Former Draft Dodger Supporter

Yoav Adumi, a co-founder of Yoaz Hendel's "Reservists" party and a candidate on the joint list with Yaron Zelicha, previously expressed understanding for draft dodgers, a stance that contradicts the party's current platform emphasizing universal conscription. Reports, including one by Amit Segal, highlight Adumi's past writings where he stated he "understands the draft dodgers" and their dilemmas. In these statements, Adumi also criticized Israel's conduct in the Gaza Strip, drew parallels between children in Gaza and those in the Gaza envelope, and accused Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu of destroying Israel.

Adumi's past remarks also touched on religion and state issues. He reportedly opposed religious study groups and Tefillin stands, and expressed disappointment when his 13-year-old son began fasting, noting "this is how it seeps in." He also supported awarding the Israel Prize to protest activist Shikma Bressler and other activists, calling them "performing a historic role," and praised journalist Yisrael Frey as "king."

The "Reservists" party addressed Adumi's past, asserting that his views have changed since the October 7th Hamas attacks. A party statement said, "Major Yoav Adumi was once left-wing. Since 7/10, he has been a deputy battalion commander who fought on the front lines for over 550 reserve duty days, and today he is a right-wing man in a party fighting against draft evasion and demanding conscription for all."

Adumi, a co-founder of Hendel's party, won first place in its primaries. Following the merger with Zelicha's party, he was placed fifth on the joint list. His past statements now raise questions about the discrepancy between his former positions and the "Reservists" party's current messaging on military service.