Netanyahu: Arrests of haredi draft evaders 'unacceptable,' undermine IDF enlistment efforts
"This is unacceptable. We need to preserve the world of Torah study because it has preserved us," the prime minister told Kol Barama during a Tuesday morning radio interview.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his disapproval of the arrests of yeshiva students who deliberately avoid military service in an interview, raising concerns about the new government's ability to pass legislation regulating haredi (ultra-Orthodox) conscription. Netanyahu emphasized that these arrests hinder efforts to encourage haredi enlistment without coercion, stating, "We need to preserve the world of Torah study because it has preserved us, these arrests are a deliberate attempt to undermine the process of recruiting haredim without coercion."
He respected the Torah study community but insisted, "Anyone who is not studying should enlist." When questioned about the haredi parties' demand for a conscription law before the government's swearing-in, Netanyahu expressed uncertainty, saying, "I wish we could do that. Will we be able to do it before the government is formed?
Who knows? It depends on goodwill, it depends on understanding and cooperation." He acknowledged that haredi parties, Shas and United Torah Judaism, had supported his coalition in advancing legislation, but noted that they had boycotted coalition voting and refused to cooperate until he delivered on their demands. The controversial draft bill, which opponents argue would not increase haredi enlistment, was ultimately shelved, while other contentious measures, such as a temporary freeze on haredi draft evader arrests and legislation designating Torah study as a fundamental value, were passed.
Netanyahu's comments drew criticism from opposition politicians, who accused him of forming a government with the haredi parties in exchange for a draft evasion law. Opposition leaders pledged to ensure haredi conscription in the next government, vowing to cut state funding from draft evaders and transfer NIS 30 billion to soldiers and reservists.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
