Avigdor Lieberman Warns Israel Faces Ammunition Shortage Amid Haredi Draft Dispute

Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, sharply criticized the Israeli government's handling of the Haredi draft issue during a Sunday interview on Kan 11's "This Morning." He accused the government of prioritizing political power over national security, warning that "in 10 days, the IDF will run out of ammunition." Lieberman emphasized that his party will not join any government that legitimizes draft evasion, calling the exemption law "a desecration of God" that institutionalizes mass draft evasion in a specific sector. He accused the government of focusing solely on election campaigning rather than addressing the crisis.

Regarding Gaza, Lieberman stated that Hamas is consolidating control and producing rockets, indicating that reconstruction efforts have already begun. In the same program, Minister Amichai Eliyahu of Otzma Yehudit commented on the draft debate, arguing that military recruitment should not rely on punishment and that the army currently needs combat soldiers rather than support roles like cooks and drivers. Eliyahu also criticized retired General Nitzan Alon, who represented the IDF in hostage negotiations, claiming that following Alon's approach would have left Hamas unchallenged at the border. He asserted that while a total victory has not yet been achieved, Israel is significantly weakening Hamas.

Eliyahu further praised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's alliance with Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben-Gvir, saying Netanyahu was on the right path when aligned with Ben-Gvir. Over the weekend, the Israeli Tax Authority contacted dozens of Haredi yeshivas demanding clarification on whether they educate individuals classified as draft evaders. As reported last week by Kan News, the Tax Authority plans to revoke tax benefits from yeshivas that confirm such students. Eliyahu called this move "completely absurd" and urged recognition of the value of Torah study. Meanwhile, the Basic Law on Torah Study recently passed its first reading in the Knesset, underscoring the ongoing legislative focus on this issue.