Eisenkot Advocates for Realistic Haredi Draft Plan Amid IDF Manpower Crisis
Eisenkot says Israel must come up with ‘realistic plan’ to draft haredim to IDF
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Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar! Party, emphasized the need for a practical strategy to draft ultra-Orthodox individuals into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) due to a significant manpower shortage. His comments come ahead of elections scheduled by October 27, amidst criticism and political tensions regarding haredi enlistment.
- 01Eisenkot proposed that 3% of each haredi cohort could be exempted for Torah study, similar to allowances for exceptional athletes.
- 02He criticized the authority of rabbis to grant deferments from military service, advocating for penalties against draft evaders.
- 03The IDF faces a shortage of 12,000 soldiers, which could increase to 17,000 by January 2027 without intervention.
- 04Opposition leaders, including former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, have pledged not to form coalitions with haredi parties post-election.
- 05Eisenkot's remarks were made during the Kibbutz Leadership Conference, highlighting the urgency of the draft issue in the upcoming elections.
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Gadi Eisenkot, the leader of the Yashar! Party, has called for a 'realistic plan' to draft ultra-Orthodox individuals into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) due to a severe manpower crisis. Speaking at the Kibbutz Leadership Conference, Eisenkot emphasized the need for military service for all, even if it leads to further elections. He highlighted the alarming statistics of 37,000 deserters and 45,000 draft evaders, advocating for a system where 3% of each haredi cohort could be exempted for Torah study, akin to exemptions for elite athletes. Eisenkot also criticized the current authority of rabbis to grant deferments and suggested imposing penalties on those who evade service. His comments come as the IDF warns of a manpower shortage that could escalate to 17,000 by January 2027. Opposition leaders, including Naftali Bennett, have vowed not to ally with haredi parties, asserting that all citizens should enlist. The issue of haredi conscription has become a pivotal topic in the lead-up to elections scheduled by October 27.
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The proposed draft plan could significantly affect the haredi community's military participation and the IDF's operational capabilities.
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