Eisenkot: Israel needs realistic plan for Haredi draft, service for all

Yashar! Party leader Gadi Eisenkot has demanded a "realistic plan" to integrate ultra-Orthodox men into the Israel Defense Forces, emphasizing the military's critical need for personnel.

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My approach has not changed: service for everyone. Even at the cost of additional elections.

Speaking at the Kibbutz Leadership Conference, Eisenkot declared his unwavering stance: "service for everyone." He suggested that even if implementing such a policy necessitates additional elections, it would be a price worth paying. This position comes amidst recent criticism from opposition leaders regarding his approach to drafting Haredim and reports of a private meeting with Haredi leader MK Moshe Gafni.

Eisenkot highlighted the stark reality of the IDF's manpower crisis, pointing to "37,000 deserters and 45,000 draft evaders." He proposed that 3% of each annual Haredi cohort could be granted exemptions for Torah study, drawing a parallel to exemptions for exceptional musicians and athletes. He also called for the cancellation of rabbis' authority to grant deferments and advocated for rewarding service while penalizing evasion.

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We cannot accept the current reality [of] this morning, of 37,000 deserters and 45,000 draft evaders.

Furthermore, Eisenkot sharply condemned Gafni's instruction to cease cooperation with the Israel Police in arresting draft evaders. He labeled it "a spit in the face of Israel Police officers, a violation of the rule of law, and a call for anarchy." This strong rebuke underscores the deep divisions on the issue, as opposition leaders have pledged not to form a coalition with Haredi parties after the upcoming elections.

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a spit in the face of Israel Police officers, a violation of the rule of law, and a call for anarchy that has no place in a law-abiding state.