'Abandoning values': Yoaz Hendel accuses Religious Zionist Party of encouraging mass draft evasion
The former minister rejected reliance on Arab and haredi parties, called for a broad Zionist government, and said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should leave office
Assessment
Yoaz Hendel's accusation that the Religious Zionist Party is encouraging mass draft evasion sharpens a growing internal Israeli political rift over military service exemptions. By calling for a broad Zionist government without Arab or haredi parties, Hendel is drawing a clear line between those he sees as committed to national service and those he views as undermining it. His demand that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leave office adds a personal dimension to this policy dispute, signaling that the debate over conscription is becoming a flashpoint for broader coalition realignment.