Brussels: Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for aligning with far-right religious parties and supporting legislation that caters to their interests, calling for a comprehensive coalition to prevent their rise to power. 'There is no point in drawing closer to extremists, trying to reach agreements with them or appeasing them, because they do not appreciate goodwill,' Lapid expressed on the US social media platform X. He warned that extremists perceive only one thing: more power, and those who allow them access to power will become their initial victims.
According to Anadolu Agency, Lapid accused extremists of manipulating democratic rules to dismantle democracy and emphasized the necessity of confronting them directly. He declared that laws would be enacted against those who need them, and exclusion would occur without hesitation if required. Lapid advocated for a 'broad and determined alliance against extremists' that would not concede to them.
Lapid highlighted Netanyahu's alliance with far-right religious parties, noting the prime minister's belief that he could control National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, leader of the far-right Jewish Power party. However, Lapid questioned who ultimately controlled whom, pointing out the enactment of laws and implementation of policies by these extremists. He urged for a decisive stance against them, asserting, 'Someone must close the door in their faces and tell them clearly and firmly: There is no place for these views here.'
His comments came shortly after the Israeli Knesset's decision to dissolve, paving the way for general elections slated for October 27. Netanyahu is campaigning to retain power, while opposition parties, despite their differing political stances, are united in their ambition to remove him and his allies from office.
In the days leading to its dissolution, the Knesset approved the Basic Law on Torah Study, granting special legal status to students at Jewish religious seminaries, known as yeshivas. The Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported that the law might fortify the position of ultra-Orthodox Jews before the Supreme Court and potentially lead to future legislation exempting them from military service.
According to the newspaper, an agreement between Netanyahu and ultra-Orthodox parties entails the governing coalition's support for legislation that benefits their interests, including the Torah study law and a measure halting the arrest of draft evaders. In return, ultra-Orthodox parties would endorse bills aimed at weakening the media and curtailing the powers of the government's attorney general.
Haredim account for approximately 13% of Israel's population, which exceeds 10 million. They oppose military service due to their commitment to full-time Torah study, arguing that integration into secular society jeopardizes their religious identity. For decades, Haredi men have avoided conscription at age 18 through repeated deferments for religious study until reaching the exemption age, currently 26. However, in 2024, Israel's Supreme Court ruled that Haredim must be drafted into the military and ordered the suspension of state funding for religious institutions whose students refuse enlistment.