Opposition leader Naftali Bennett said in an interview with political commentator Yishai Cohen that he will not cooperate with Haredi parties that support draft evasion, ruled out Shas leader Aryeh Deri from a future cabinet, and called the situation a 'disgrace'.
Opposition leader Naftali Bennett called the situation of Haredi draft evasion a 'disgrace' in a Thursday interview, according to political commentator Yishai Cohen. The remark, reported by Cohen at 11:32 Jerusalem, was part of a broader statement in which Bennett reiterated that the 'door is locked' for Haredi parties that support draft evasion and ruled out Shas leader Aryeh Deri from a future cabinet. The fresh characterization of the situation as a 'disgrace' sharpens the tone of Bennett's earlier statements on the issue.
The Zioneer first reported at 11:32 Jerusalem that Bennett had declared he would not cooperate with Haredi parties backing draft evasion, citing a report by ynet. Minutes later, Cohen's account added the specific exclusion of Deri and the 'disgrace' characterization. The corroboration of Bennett's remarks thus evolved from a single news outlet to a commentator's account of the same interview, with no contradiction between the sources.
Bennett's latest comments continue a pattern of firm positioning on the Haredi conscription issue. As The Zioneer reported on Jul 26, Bennett previously deflected a question about recommending Gadi Eisenkot for prime minister by pivoting to the Haredi conscription issue, a move that Cohen described as an empty slogan. On Jul 27, Bennett also clarified that he would not advance judicial reform in the next government, stating 'We are not coming to BS.'
The full interview has been reported consistently by both ynet and Cohen. No further details or contradictions have emerged. Bennett's specific policy proposals for addressing the conscription issue remain to be detailed in future statements.
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