Interview with Eisenkot's party member, bloc storm - and the clarification: 'confusion'

Former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen, a member of the Yashar party, said in an interview that in the next government up to 30% of Haredim would receive an exemption from conscription. Bennett and Lieberman strongly objected, and the Yashar party clarified that this was a 'confusion' between the share of Haredim and their share in the population.

A storm erupted in the opposition bloc following an interview with Yashar party member and former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen, who stated that in the next government up to 30% of Haredim could receive an exemption from conscription. The remarks drew sharp reactions from potential partners: Yadid Naftali Bennett declared that there would be no compromises on conscription, and that those who do not serve will not receive support from the state. Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman stressed that there would be no exemption for 30% or even 3%. The Yashar party clarified that this was a 'confusion' between the share of Haredim and their share in the general population. The affair reflects the internal dispute within the bloc over the issue of Haredi conscription, which is one of the central topics in the election campaign for the 26th Knesset.