Israeli opposition criticises Netanyahu over support for Haredi draft exemptions

Yair Lapid, leader of Israel’s opposition, strongly condemned the prime minister’s position in support of Haredi Zionists and their evasion of military service, describing it as a disgraceful deal with the leaders of Haredi parties to secure support for the new cabinet.

Lapid stressed that Netanyahu had promised to pass a law allowing Haredi Jews to be exempt from serving in the army, saying the move would damage the standing and capabilities of the Israeli military. He also said the prime minister was bargaining away the interests of the country’s soldiers.

Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, also said he would not allow such a law to be approved and called on citizens to choose in the next election between Netanyahu’s cabinet, backed by the Haredim, and his own cabinet.

Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, also linked Netanyahu’s political survival to the support of Haredi parties.

Earlier, Benjamin Netanyahu, in response to the arrest of 40 Haredi men at Ben Gurion Airport for refusing military service, called the arrests undesirable and said they should not apply to the Haredim.