Ultra-Orthodox Protests Spark Fierce Political Debate in Israel
Ultra-Orthodox protests across Israel triggered sharp political reactions as Shas blamed the Attorney General for unrest, while opposition leaders criticized the government for enabling draft evasion.
Ultra-Orthodox Protests Spark Political Storm
Recent Ultra-Orthodox demonstrations have triggered sharp reactions across the Israeli political spectrum. Shas blamed the Attorney General for the arrests and traffic disruptions, alleging that Kaplan protesters are funding the rallies. Meanwhile, Yair Golan, Gadi Eisenkot, and Avigdor Lieberman criticized the government, accusing it of enabling draft evasion.
"The calculated and painful arrests of yeshiva students during this period, and the chaos we now see on Israel's roads, are the work of the Attorney General," Shas said in a statement. The party claimed the goal is to dismantle the right-wing bloc and alienate the Ultra-Orthodox public.
"Do not let the Attorney General and Kaplan's money sabotage our ranks. Do not let them win!" Shas stated.
Criticism from the Opposition
Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Lieberman slammed the protesters and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
- "On October 27, it will end. All road-blockers will go to prison, soldiers will get one hundred percent, and all draft dodgers zero."
Democrats leader Yair Golan argued that the public bearing the state's burden is being attacked by government-backed militias, pointing to blocking roads and defying the law.
Yashar! leader Gadi Eisenkot criticized the slogan "we will die and not enlist," saying it reflects the current government's preferred system. He called on citizens to channel their anger to the ballot box.
