"Bennett's response to Deri's comments: 'Stabbing sensation' or 'A comment like a dagger through the heart'"
In a move that has triggered political upheaval in Israel, Aryeh Deri, leader of the Shas party, has publicly urged haredi (ultra-Orthodox Jewish) students not to enlist in the IDF during wartime. This stance, which aligns with haredi leadership's broader objections to forced conscription, has drawn sharp criticism from other Israeli political figures, including former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett [2].
Bennett, in a speech to IDF reservists, condemned Deri's remarks, stating they undermine the IDF's morale and national unity. He described the current government as "obhorrent" for sending commands and giving orders despite Deri's remarks, comparing them to a knife in the heart due to their impact on soldiers and the nation [2].
Deri's statements, made at the Shaar HaMelech Yeshiva, were revealed last week by journalist Ari Kalman on i24NEWS. It is unclear what the response of the current government or Shas has been to Deri's remarks about the role of yeshiva students in times of war. Similarly, it is unclear if there has been any response from Edelstein or Haim Katz, key figures in the ongoing debate over the haredi draft [1][4].
The IDF is intensifying efforts to enforce the draft, sending out 80,000 draft orders to haredi men and preparing large-scale enforcement operations. These actions have led to protests from the haredi community [1][4]. On the broader political stage, Deri’s return to cabinet amid these divisions has been criticized as casting "shame on Israel's legacy," highlighting the contentious nature of his influence during wartime [3].
This issue has sparked significant political tension in Israel. After haredi parties departed from the governing coalition over the conscription law disputes, key figures like Yuli Edelstein withdrew proposed enlistment legislation, arguing that without coalition support, advancing the draft law was futile [2]. Finance Minister cautioned against government collapse over these issues, emphasizing the risk of jeopardizing the war effort [2].
In summary, Aryeh Deri opposes wartime enlistment of haredi yeshiva students, encouraging non-compliance with draft efforts. This stance has heightened conflicts among Israeli politicians and contributed to coalition instability amid ongoing IDF efforts to enforce the draft, legally mandated since April 2025 [1][2][4]. Deri emphasized that the burden of the war falls on the Torah learners. Bennett, in his speech, spoke about Deri advising against helping soldiers in various situations such as burning tanks, tunnel operations, helping bereaved families, hostage rescue, and helping fellow soldiers. The future of this contentious issue remains uncertain.
- The ongoing debate over the haredi draft in Israel has become a significant focus of general news, with Aryeh Deri's opposition to wartime enlistment of haredi yeshiva students escalating war-and-conflicts and politics.
- The contentious nature of Deri's influence during wartime is apparent in his stance on haredi student draft evasion, sparking sharp criticism from figures like Bennett, who accused him of undermining the IDF's morale and national unity, and potentially causing political instability.
