Naftali Bennett Warns IDF Collapse Looms Amid Coalition Draft Crisis
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett warned at Hostages Square that the IDF faces a severe manpower crisis, criticizing Netanyahu and coalition leaders over the military draft.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett delivered a sharp warning at the Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, fiercely criticizing the government and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over national security and military manpower shortages.
Strategic Warnings at Hostages Square
"I am standing here at Hostages Square, which symbolizes the terrible failure of the October 7 government that has yet to be investigated," Bennett stated. He directly accused the coalition leadership of ignoring the Israel Defense Forces' critical needs. "The Chief of Staff is raising ten red flags that 20,000 combat soldiers are missing, but Netanyahu, Aryeh Deri, and Bezalel Smotrich are ignoring it and dismantling the IDF."
Bennett addressed the contentious military draft law, contrasting the government's stance with the demands of active-duty troops.
Facing a government of 'we will die rather than be drafted,' our soldiers are crying out: 'We will die if you don't draft.' We need reinforcements! I warn today that if we do not draft Haredim in the upcoming term, the IDF will simply collapse.
Political Stakes and Past Clashes
Concluding his speech, Bennett framed the upcoming October 27, 2026 Knesset elections as a referendum on military service and security. He asserted that voting for the current coalition is a direct vote against IDF soldiers and reservists.
This aggressive rhetoric follows recent tensions on the campaign trail. On September 25, the leader of the BeYachad list visited Bnei Brak, where a conversation with yeshiva students escalated into a hostile crowd shouting insults. During the incident, right-wing activist Mordechai David attempted to block his path, prompting Bennett to retort: "I suggest you get drafted quickly, because the moment I am prime minister, you won't get a shekel from the state." The confrontation peaked when a salt shaker was thrown, missing Bennett but striking a staff member who was treated at the scene by Magen David Adom.
