Do not turn IDF enlistment into a political bargaining chip

Ronen Itzik, a reserve colonel and CEO of the Bitanistim movement, calls for not turning IDF enlistment into a political bargaining chip in coalition negotiations. He argues that the exemption from service is not a tradable commodity, and that service in the IDF must stand above partisan considerations, especially after October 7.

Ronen Itzik, a reserve colonel and CEO of the Bitanistim movement, argues that IDF enlistment must not be turned into a political bargaining chip in coalition negotiations. He emphasizes that service in the IDF is not a partisan asset and that the shared duty to defend the country should not be traded, especially after the October 7 attack. Itzik expresses support for the value of Torah study but opposes using it as a justification for blanket exemptions, and calls for an arrangement that allows service respecting faith and halakha while expanding participation. He warns that further concessions on enlistment would constitute moral defeatism, and notes that transitioning to a professional volunteer army would lead to a 'mercenary militia' and national and social loss.