Netanyahu’s Remarks Against Haredi Draft Dodgers Linked to Attempt to Secure Gilad Erdan’s Knesset Seat

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent private remarks condemning Haredi draft dodgers, stating that those who neither study Torah nor enlist should go to jail, were part of an effort by his inner circle to secure a reserved Knesset seat for Gilad Erdan on the Likud list. This was revealed in a report by Kan News on Sunday. A close adviser to Netanyahu proposed the reserved spot to Erdan, who had left Likud, including a symbolic payment from Likud to demonstrate a policy shift on military conscription. During discussions, the adviser told Erdan to "watch the statement that will be released now," referring to Netanyahu’s comments. Erdan rejected the offer, responding on his X (formerly Twitter) account, "No more buying promises on conscription." Following this refusal, negotiations ceased and Likud did not contact Erdan again.

Likud responded by accusing Erdan of lying, stating he initially requested the chairmanship of Israel Aerospace Industries and was refused, then sought to head Keter Environmental Services and was also denied. Likud denied ever intending or offering to reserve a seat for him, dismissing the claims as spin from someone unlikely to pass the electoral threshold according to polls. Meanwhile, Erdan is preparing to launch his own party and is open to alliances with Benny Gantz. Additionally, former Likud MK Trooper Edelstein announced his departure from the party to pursue a new political path.