Shas leader Arye Deri claims IDF prefers secular army, haredi soldiers are 'a big headache'
Naftali Bennett responded to Deri's comments, saying the Shas chairman is "harming IDF soldiers," adding that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is "spreading blood libels about IDF commanders."
Shas leader Arye Deri asserted during a podcast interview that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) do not desire enlisting haredi (ultra-Orthodox) soldiers and instead favor a secular army, describing it as a major inconvenience for the IDF. Deri emphasized that the concept of haredi soldiers causes the IDF significant distress, stating that he does not need to summon haredim to join the army, as he trusts the IDF to handle the matter themselves.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, chairman of the Together party, responded to Deri's claims, accusing him of harming IDF soldiers and calling for his absence from future government positions. Bennett argued that the IDF is in urgent need of soldiers, and Deri's refusal represents lies and excuses. Bennett further criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for spreading misinformation about IDF commanders, following Netanyahu's earlier statement that the IDF avoided notifying him on the morning of the October 7 Hamas attacks, as he feared activating the air force and alerting the entire IDF, potentially causing harm.
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