Ex-PM Barak: IDF Unprepared for Full Haredi Draft, Proposes Alternative Service
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Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak stated the IDF is unprepared to draft all Haredi men and proposed a compromise of shorter national service for those not enlisting. His comments came during political talks to form a government led by Gadi Eisenkot. Barak believes Eisenkot can propose a reasonable draft law, while also emphasizing the need for Haredi integration into core studies and the workforce.
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- Former PM Ehud Barak says IDF cannot absorb all Haredi men.
- Barak proposes alternative of shortened national service for Haredi non-enlistees.
- His remarks coincide with political efforts to form a government led by Gadi Eisenkot.
- Barak prioritizes removing Netanyahu from power over other commitments.
- He suggests Eisenkot can present a reasonable, though not fully accepted, draft law.
Former Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ehud Barak stated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is not currently equipped to absorb all Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) young men. Speaking on Radio 103FM, Barak suggested an alternative path of a shortened national service for those who do not enlist in the IDF, proposing a compromise that could be acceptable to some Haredi factions.
Barak's remarks come amid political negotiations to form a government led by Gadi Eisenkot. When asked if the "Change Bloc" should set aside the issue of equal burden-sharing to achieve a change in government, Barak responded that it should be handled "wisely." He emphasized that the primary political goal of removing Benjamin Netanyahu from power supersedes other commitments.
Barak believes Eisenkot can present a balanced draft law that might be partially accepted by Haredi parties, acknowledging that while they might not like it, it would be "reasonable" and would not aim to "eliminate Torah study." He reiterated that the IDF cannot absorb all Haredi men anyway, proposing that those who choose not to enlist would serve nine months in national service before entering civilian life.
Alongside this proposed compromise on military conscription, Barak stressed the importance of integrating core curriculum studies, encouraging employment, and participation in the tax system for the Haredi community. He also highlighted the need to significantly increase financial compensation and benefits for soldiers serving in the IDF.