Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a forceful defense of the government’s new Haredi draft bill during a heated Knesset debate, calling it a “historic process” that would both regulate yeshiva student exemptions and increase ultra-Orthodox enlistment.
Speaking during a 40-signature debate, Netanyahu rejected the opposition’s claims that Israel’s global standing has collapsed during the ongoing Gaza war. He argued that Israel remains “stronger than ever” diplomatically, militarily, and economically, insisting the criticism stems from rising antisemitism and not from government failures.
The proposed draft law—pushed by MK Boaz Bismuth—aims to formalize the status of tens of thousands of full-time yeshiva students after the High Court struck down decades-old blanket exemptions. Netanyahu argued the bill would free up thousands of reservists by expanding Haredi enlistment, claiming each new Haredi battalion could release ten reserve battalions.
The opposition blasted the measure as hollow, saying it contains loopholes that fail to encourage real service. Yair Lapid accused the coalition of avoiding responsibility and vowed the bill “will not pass in any form.”
Netanyahu also defended his wartime leadership, touting robust ties with leaders including the U.S. and Russia. He highlighted upcoming meetings with President Donald Trump and ongoing coordination with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying these relationships protect Israeli security interests.
On the domestic front, he dismissed concerns over his request for a presidential pardon in his corruption case, saying the country’s needs must come first. Lapid responded that Netanyahu should “admit guilt and go home,” arguing a pardon without admission of wrongdoing would reward misconduct.
Netanyahu also pushed back on demands for a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 massacre, instead backing a government-led probe with equal representation from coalition and opposition. He insisted it would be independent and widely trusted, despite polls showing the public prefers a state commission.
