Israel Politics

Bennett on Why He Didn't Draft Haredim

Naftali Bennett says October 7 changed his thinking on haredi conscription, criticizes current coalition for transferring billions to those who don't serve

Gila Isaacson

AUG 25, 2026 13:14

2 min read

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett addressed the contentious issue of haredi and yeshiva student military service in an interview with Radio 103FM, explaining how the October 7 attack and ongoing war fundamentally altered his position on conscription.

When asked why he didn't actively pursue haredi enlistment during his time as prime minister, Bennett offered a candid response: "We hadn't yet understood that the IDF needed to expand. That was before October 7. Since then, there's been an acute need for an additional 20,000 soldiers in the security system."

Bennett used the opportunity to sharply criticize the Religious Zionism party leadership and the current coalition government for their handling of the issue. "In the four years that Smotrich has been in power, they haven't tried to draft anyone, they've only transferred billions to those who aren't serving," he said.

Bennett made clear that the political and social approach toward the haredi sector, known in Israel as the ultra-Orthodox community, must fundamentally change, arguing that the model of slow dialogue is no longer relevant to current realities. "We've realized that the gradual approach over many years, which championed dialogue, won't lead anywhere," he stated. "My position today is sharp and clear: if you're not Zionist, it won't be at my expense."

The debate over haredi military service has intensified since October 7, with Israel's security needs clashing against longstanding arrangements that have exempted full-time yeshiva students from the draft that applies to most Jewish Israelis.