Bennett pledges to redirect 'NIS 30 billion from draft evaders,' to those serving in the IDF

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett unveiled a plan on Sunday to redirect NIS 30 billion in state funds from draft evaders to those serving in the IDF. The B'Yachad party, a leading opposition group, aims to provide reservists with various benefits in their next government. Bennett's "Servants' Revolution" plan seeks to end state funding for those evading IDF service, transferring that money to those who serve through a range of benefits.

These benefits include free daycare for reservists, subsidies to reduce payments in half, and NIS 1 million in housing assistance. Bennett criticized the current administration, stating that for 17 years, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been funding draft evasion while dismantling the IDF. He accused current and former leaders, including Arye Deri, Bezalel Smotrich, and Yitzhak Goldknopf, of paying people not to enlist.

The opposition party also criticized the haredi parties for their role in preventing haredi enlistment, and called for the reversal of contentious haredi-backed legislation. The IDF has warned of an urgent manpower shortage, with the Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir warning of a potential collapse if no solution is found. Bennett has vowed to take a firm stance against forming a coalition with haredi parties and to cut all state funding for anyone evading military service.