Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said Thursday evening that the governing coalition 'betrayed the community of serving soldiers' by prioritizing exemptions over military needs. Bennett accused Prime Minister Netanyahu, Shas leader Aryeh Deri, and UTJ leader Yitzhak Goldknopf of backing a 'corrupt deal' that leaves IDF troops bearing the burden while supporting mass draft-dodging. He said the government cannot enlist Haredim or support fighters, and pledged to replace it soon.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett escalated his criticism of the government Thursday evening, releasing a statement accusing the coalition of betraying Israel's military servicemen. Bennett said the government — which he referred to as a 'coalition of draft-dodgers' — continues to support mass exemptions for Haredi yeshiva students while the IDF lacks 12,000 combat soldiers. He singled out Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Shas chairman Aryeh Deri, and UTJ chairman Yitzhak Goldknopf as the architects of what he called 'a corrupt deal.' Bennett said the government 'is not capable' of enlisting Haredim or supporting troops, and predicted its replacement. The former premier has been positioning himself for a political return through a months-long campaign of security and social critiques, particularly targeting the government's handling of IDF manpower and Haredi enlistment — a core fissure in Israeli politics. His statement did not cite specific legislation or a Knesset vote, and the claims were not corroborated by other sources in the intake.
- DevelopingYisrael Beiteinu MK Oded Forer: Soldiers are 'ducks in a shooting gallery' in Lebanon
- DevelopingBennett attacks Netanyahu's unity call amid draft exemption laws, vows to nullify them
- StrongBennett accuses Netanyahu and Katz of lying about IDF freedom of action in Lebanon
- DevelopingBennett vows to repeal conscription exemption law, says coalition chose politics over security
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