Israel's gov't must not serve interests of ultra-Orthodox party leaders, opposition heads declare

Israeli opposition leaders have strongly criticized the government, asserting that it must cease serving the interests of ultra-Orthodox party leaders. The condemnation follows widespread protests where thousands blocked roads in opposition to the military draft for the ultra-Orthodox community.

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Israel needs a new agreement, a fair agreement between the government and its citizens - an agreement that says we are all building this country together.

Opposition head Yair Lapid called for a "fair agreement" between the government and its citizens, emphasizing shared responsibility in building the country. He accused Prime Minister Netanyahu of continuing to fund those who evade military service, even as soldiers are killed in conflict. Lapid stated, "While soldiers are being killed every day in Lebanon, he keeps giving them more and more of the working and serving public’s money so that they will not enlist in the IDF."

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While soldiers are being killed every day in Lebanon, he keeps giving them more and more of the working and serving public’s money so that they will not enlist in the IDF.

Former IDF chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot warned that Netanyahu's legacy could be defined by allowing a non-serving segment of the population to paralyze the country. He stated, "The next government will act according to the national interests of the State of Israel, not according to the interests of Deri, Gafni, and Goldknopf." Other opposition figures, including former prime minister Naftali Bennett and Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman, also condemned the protests and the government's perceived appeasement of ultra-Orthodox demands.

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The next government will act according to the national interests of the State of Israel, not according to the interests of Deri, Gafni, and Goldknopf.

Liberman specifically targeted the leaders responsible for the disruptions, saying, "Those responsible for the traffic jams and road blockages during rush hour are the same leaders who are concerned with securing power, prestige, and money for themselves." He added that "the price is being paid by those who serve, work, and pay taxes." Leader of the Democrats party Yair Golan called for financial sanctions against draft evasion and against institutions and individuals encouraging it.

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Those responsible for the traffic jams and road blockages during rush hour are the same leaders who are concerned with securing power, prestige, and money for themselves.