Netanyahu's remark against ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers - part of attempt to secure Edelstein's slot in Likud
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a closed conversation that those who do not study Torah and do not enlist will go to prison. Kan News revealed: the remark was part of an attempt by a close adviser to Netanyahu to secure Gilad Erdan a spot on the Likud list, including an offer of 'earnest money'. Erdan refused and replied: 'We no longer buy promises about enlistment.' Likud denies and claims Erdan is lying.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a closed conversation a week ago that "those who do not study Torah and do not enlist will go to prison." According to Kan News' revelation, this statement was part of an attempt by a close adviser to Netanyahu to secure Gilad Erdan a spot on the Likud list. The adviser offered Erdan a secured slot, and as part of the offer included "earnest money" from Likud as proof that the party would change its stance on the enlistment issue. According to a source familiar with the details, while the conversation was taking place, the adviser told Erdan to "look at the statement that will come out now," and immediately afterward Netanyahu's remark was published. Erdan, who left Likud, refused the offer and replied on his X account: "We no longer buy promises about enlistment." Since then, the contacts have ended, and Likud has not made further contact with Erdan. Likud responded: "Erdan is simply lying. First he asked for the position of chairman of the Israel Aerospace Industries and was refused, then he asked to head the Eilat-Ashkelon Pipeline Company and was refused, and at no point was there any intention or approach to Erdan to secure him a slot. These are just spins from someone who, according to polls, cannot even pass the first voting threshold."