Netanyahu Criticizes Ultra-Orthodox Draft Arrests as Bennett Slams Deal
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized ultra-Orthodox draft evader arrests, signaling openness to an exemption law. BeYachad leader Naftali Bennett condemned the move as a political deal enabling mass draft evasion.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the arrest of ultra-Orthodox draft evaders, calling the practice unacceptable. His remarks came as over 40 Chabad Hasidim returning from the US were flagged at Ben-Gurion Airport as draft evaders, with authorities confiscating passports and scheduling disciplinary hearings. In an interview with Kol Berama radio, Netanyahu stated that the arrests undermine voluntary conscription efforts and emphasized the importance of preserving the Torah world, while maintaining that those not studying must enlist. He did not rule out passing an exemption law prior to the formation of a government, dependent on mutual understanding.
BeYachad leader Naftali Bennett sharply condemned Netanyahu's statements, exposing what he termed a Netanyahu-Dery political deal. Bennett asserted that promising an exemption law before government formation amounts to an official seal of approval for mass evasion by 120,000 ultra-Orthodox youth, ultimately harming IDF soldiers and reservists carrying the military burden.
