Naftali Bennett Promises Investigation into Haredi Military Draft Evasion

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has pledged to initiate an investigation into what he describes as the "sabotage of Haredi enlistment" should he win the upcoming elections in October 2023. This commitment follows a controversial maneuver by the current government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which involved last-minute allocations to ultra-Orthodox institutions in the 2026 state budget. Bennett criticized this action as detrimental to Israel's security, particularly during a time of war.

Times of Israel

The issue of Haredi enlistment has been a contentious topic in Israel, especially as approximately 80,000 ultra-Orthodox men aged 18 to 24 are currently eligible for military service but have not enlisted. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has reported a significant manpower shortage, exacerbated by ongoing military conflicts, including the war in Gaza. In June 2024, the High Court ruled that the government must begin conscripting Haredi men, leading to budget cuts for yeshivas harboring draft dodgers and the arrest of some evaders. However, the coalition has simultaneously sought to legislate blanket exemptions for full-time yeshiva students.

Times of Israel

Naftali Bennett, who is campaigning to unseat Benjamin Netanyahu, has been vocal about the need for accountability regarding military enlistment. He has accused the current government of prioritizing ultra-Orthodox interests over national security. Bennett's remarks come amid warnings from IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir about the dire need for soldiers, emphasizing the military's struggle to maintain adequate troop levels.

Times of Israel

In his address, Bennett stated, "In the new government, I will establish a special commission of inquiry regarding the sabotage of Haredi enlistment... Everyone who knowingly took part in violating the Security Service Law during wartime will be investigated." He criticized the government's actions as a "dark trick" that diverts funds from the serving public to ultra-Orthodox institutions that discourage military service.

Times of Israel

Critics of Bennett's approach argue that his focus on Haredi enlistment may overlook broader issues within the military and societal divisions in Israel. Some have pointed out that the government's failure to enforce existing laws against draft evasion has contributed to the ongoing problem. Additionally, the Attorney General's Office and police have faced scrutiny for not acting against networks that promote draft evasion among Haredi students.

Times of Israel

There are conflicting reports regarding the enforcement of draft laws in ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods. While the IDF has indicated that police have hindered their efforts to arrest draft evaders, the Attorney General has noted the government's failure to comply with court orders aimed at sanctioning draft dodgers. This discrepancy raises questions about the effectiveness of current policies and the political will to address the issue.

Times of Israel

• “In the middle of the night, the government of Netanyahu and the Haredim carried out a dark trick,” — Naftali Bennett, Former Prime Minister

Times of Israel

• “At a time when [IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir] is crying out, ‘I don’t have soldiers,’ you worked, knowingly, to prevent the conscription of tens of thousands,” — Naftali Bennett, Former Prime Minister

Times of Israel

• “But I tell you tonight, citizens of Israel, hold your head up high; these are the last days of this government – they’ll pay for this plunder at the ballot box,” — Naftali Bennett, Former Prime Minister

Times of Israel

Bennett's investigation promise and the surrounding discourse highlight the ongoing tensions in Israeli society regarding military service, particularly among the ultra-Orthodox community, and set the stage for a contentious electoral battle.

Times of Israel