Bennett Blames Zionist Parties for Haredi Draft Crisis at Election Conference
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett blamed Zionist parties for the Haredi enlistment crisis at an election conference in Jerusalem, while Gadi Eisenkot rejected any future political partnership with Benjamin Netanyahu.
Naftali Bennett, former prime minister and head of the "Be-yachad" party, spoke at the "Ha-Dor" election conference in Jerusalem, sharply criticizing the government's pre-October 7 policies and addressing the ongoing debate over military enlistment for ultra-orthodox youth.
Blaming the Zionist Parties for the Enlistment Crisis
Addressing the Haredi draft issue, Bennett argued that ultra-orthodox youth are victims rather than culprits in the current exemption deadlock. He stated that the blame lies squarely with Zionist coalition parties that capitulated to political leaders like Aryeh Deri and Yitzhak Goldknopf, calling the current situation "slow-motion suicide in live broadcast."
Bennett also reflected on the year preceding the October 7, 2023 massacres, asserting that severe internal polarization weakened the nation's immune system as enemies watched closely. Commenting on potential future coalitions, Bennett remarked that he would not rule out Benjamin Netanyahu serving under him as a minister, provided that core principles—such as an immediate state commission of inquiry, universal conscription, and a constitution—are fully accepted.
"If he accepts all our central principles, which are an immediate state commission of inquiry and conscription for all, let him pick up the phone," Bennett declared.
Eisenkot Rejects Netanyahu Partnership
Speaking at the same conference, Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the "Yashar!" party and former IDF Chief of Staff, sharply rejected Bennett's willingness to consider Netanyahu in a future government. Eisenkot maintained that anyone who held leadership positions during the October 7 failure is unfit for command or governance.
Eisenkot also addressed regional security, criticizing remarks made by Yair Golan regarding the targeted killing of Iranian leadership. He affirmed that eliminating hostile figures orchestrating attacks against Israel was entirely justified, while nonetheless praising Golan's bravery during the outbreak of the war and including him within the broader "alliance of those who serve."
