'Desecrating religious Zionism': Bennett slams Smotrich as true architect of draft evasion law

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has strongly criticized current Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, labeling him the "true architect" of a controversial draft evasion law. Bennett asserted in an interview with 103FM that the law represents a "terrible, a real desecration of the term 'religious Zionism.'"

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This is terrible, a real desecration of the term 'religious Zionism.'

Bennett accused Smotrich of aggressively pushing for the transfer of billions of shekels to Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) men who avoid military service. "He disgraces every person who wears a knitted kippah," Bennett stated, expressing his dismay at the government's actions, particularly while fighting continues in Lebanon, where his own son is serving.

Dismissing the notion that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was compelled to pass these laws to maintain his right-wing coalition, Bennett called the argument "nonsense." He positioned himself as a consistent right-wing politician who would not compromise on national territory or security. Bennett pledged that his planned government would repeal the current draft-exemption laws and implement a "Service Law" that redirects savings from draft evaders to those who serve, especially reservists.

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There was no politician who pushed harder for the transfer of billions to draft-dodging haredim than Smotrich. He should be ashamed, he should go home, he should clear the field. He disgraces every person who wears a knitted kippah.

Under Bennett's proposed plan, reservists could receive significant financial benefits, including NIS 1 million for a first home purchase and free daycare for young children. He claimed these reforms could boost Israel's GDP by NIS 70 billion annually by integrating the Haredi population into the workforce and military service. "The money exists," Bennett asserted, explaining his return to politics is driven by a mission to "fix the state, the economy, the distorted situation with our haredi brothers."

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I want to address the soldiers and tell them: I see you. Hold on tight, there are still 104 days of plunder and evasion, the reinforcements are on the way, and this terrible government is going. We will fix it together.

Bennett acknowledged that his policy proposals might not be as attention-grabbing as simply opposing Netanyahu, but he emphasized their critical importance for the nation's future. He also commented on the increasing number of parties within the political landscape.

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I am a consistent political right-winger. I was not the one who handed parts of the Land of Israel to the enemy, I was not the one who released thousands of terrorists, and I will not allow a single centimeter of land to be handed over. That is not the story.