Shas Spiritual Leader: Iran Deal is Punishment for Draft Dodger Arrests, A-G is 'Wicked Woman'

Former Sephardi chief rabbi and Shas spiritual leader Yitzhak Yosef has asserted that the emerging US-Iran deal is divine punishment for the recent arrests of ultra-Orthodox draft evaders. Yosef, speaking at a rally in Rishon Lezion, also vehemently criticized Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara, labeling her a "wicked woman" for her role in enforcing stricter conscription measures.

"Trump turned against us because of the decrees being imposed on Torah scholars and because they are being arrested,” Yosef stated, suggesting that US President Donald Trump's stance against Israel is a direct consequence of these actions. He directly addressed Baharav-Miara, saying, “This woman, Jezebel, this wicked woman, is giving these orders. They have no brains. Instead of strengthening the Torah scholars…Stop arresting them.”

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Trump turned against us because of the decrees being imposed on Torah scholars and because they are being arrested.

The controversial remarks come at a time of significant national debate surrounding the conscription of ultra-Orthodox men into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which faces a severe manpower crisis. The High Court of Justice has ordered the state to take concrete steps to revoke financial benefits from draft evaders and pursue criminal enforcement.

Recent weeks have seen a sharp increase in arrests of draft evaders, leading to frequent protests by the ultra-Orthodox community that have disrupted traffic. Haredi lawmakers have called for a halt to police cooperation, while Haredi parties are pushing for legislation that would enshrine Torah study in Basic Law, which critics argue encourages draft evasion. These parties have also threatened to withhold coalition support until progress is made on these bills.

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This woman, Jezebel, this wicked woman, is giving these orders. They have no brains. Instead of strengthening the Torah scholars…Stop arresting them.