Senior IDF officer attacks: "They are turning security needs into a bargaining chip"

A senior IDF officer sharply criticizes the Haredi leadership following the ultimatum by Shas and United Torah Judaism not to join any coalition without a draft exemption law. The officer accuses the Haredi parties of turning security needs into a political "bargaining chip," exploiting the conscription crisis. Meanwhile, Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef threatens that no government will be formed without securing the status of yeshiva students, and United Torah Judaism states they will not enter a government without a full exemption. However, cracks are emerging in the united Haredi front.

A senior IDF officer has sharply criticized the Haredi leadership, following the ultimatum by Shas and United Torah Judaism not to join any coalition without a draft exemption law. The officer accuses the Haredi parties of turning security needs into a political "bargaining chip," exploiting the conscription crisis. According to him, representatives of the parties sat in Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee meetings, heard the army's needs and understood the situation, but outside the committee room the discourse shifts to a political campaign. Meanwhile, the spiritual leader of Shas, Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, threatens that no government will be formed without securing the status of yeshiva students, and attacks Gadi Eisenkot. United Torah Judaism states they will not enter a government without a full exemption. However, cracks are emerging in the Haredi front: a source in the Gur Hasidic dynasty reports that the Rebbe wants to topple Netanyahu "at any cost," and may support a minority government led by Eisenkot. The chairman of the Haredi public party, Moti Leitner, calls for drafting Haredim through tracks adapted for those not studying Torah full-time.