Israeli Opposition Leader Accuses Netanyahu of Betraying Soldiers
“The Israeli government undermines the security of the state. Netanyahu sells our soldiers.” – Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of jeopardizing national security and betraying soldiers amid the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. Lapid’s comments came before a meeting regarding a draft law aimed at lowering the age of exemption from mandatory military service for Haredi yeshiva students.
The protesters demand the government’s resignation and early elections following the passing of the first reading of the draft law. Lapid criticized the government for undermining state security and betraying soldiers. The proposed law aims to conscript ultra-Orthodox Jews to share the burden of military service.
Haredi Conscription
Currently, Haredi individuals can avoid military service until the age of 26 by obtaining deferments for religious studies, but the proposed law seeks to lower this exemption age to 21.
While religious parties oppose conscription, secular and nationalist parties support it, posing a challenge to Netanyahu’s coalition government.