The Zioneer's 'Picture of the Day' features a photograph of Defense Minister Israel Katz receiving a warm handshake from the head of the political leadership of Haredi draft evaders. The accompanying commentary interprets the gesture as a thank-you for Katz's vote against the IDF's position and his role in advancing legislation that grants mass exemptions and arrest immunity for Haredim, while IDF soldiers bear the burden of fighting in all arenas.
The Zioneer's 'Picture of the Day' editorial, published Tuesday evening, uses a photograph of Defense Minister Israel Katz receiving a handshake from the head of the political leadership of Haredi draft evaders to criticize the ongoing coalition deal on draft exemptions. The editorial claims that Katz voted against the IDF's position and helped advance legislation that would grant mass exemptions and arrest immunity for Haredim, while IDF soldiers in regular and reserve service continue to bear the burden of fighting across all fronts. The commentary comes as the coalition has been pushing the bill despite opposition from the IDF Chief of Staff and some coalition members. The Zioneer has previously reported on the deepening coalition deal, including Smotrich's reversal to support the bill after securing concessions.
3 developments
- DevelopingCoalition sources: Defense Minister Katz blocking bill to freeze arrests of Haredi draft evaders
- DevelopingNetanyahu-Haredi coalition deal deepens: immunity from arrest for draft evaders
- DevelopingDefense Minister Katz formally requests Knesset debate on immunity from arrest for yeshiva students
- DevelopingHadassah Ben-Itzhak: Katz rushed to condemn incitement against IDF chief, unlike Lapid
Source and signal
- Internal intake