Israeli Opposition Slams Netanyahu’s Deal to Exempt Ultra-Orthodox from Military Service

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Yair Lapid, the leader of the opposition in the Israeli regime, has criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu’s stance in support of the so-called Haredi Zionists. Lapid asserted that Netanyahu is pursuing a “shameful and base” deal with the leaders of these parties to gain their support for forming a new cabinet in exchange for exemptions from army service.

Lapid stated that Netanyahu has promised to pass legislation that would allow Haredi men to avoid military service, a move he believes would weaken the army’s standing and capabilities. He further asserted that Netanyahu is sacrificing the interests of Israeli soldiers.

Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, declared that he would never allow such a law to be passed and that Israelis in the upcoming elections must choose between Netanyahu’s cabinet, which facilitates Haredi draft evasion, and Eisenkot’s own cabinet. Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, commented that Netanyahu’s continued hold on power is linked to the support of the Haredi parties.

Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had reacted to the detention of 40 Haredi Zionists at Ben Gurion Airport for refusing to enlist in the Israeli army, calling the action unacceptable and stating that these detentions should not apply to Haredi individuals.