'A stab in the back to IDF troops': Opposition decries Bismuth appt
Israeli opposition leaders said the Netanyahu government's designation of Boaz Bismuth as chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, replacing Yuli Edelstein, marked a betrayal of IDF soldiers and reservists on Wednesday.
Opposition Leader MK Yair Lapid said in a statement, 'A black day for the State of Israel and the people of Israel. Bismuth was chosen to promote draft evasion, and this is a slap in the face to the soldiers, reservists, and their families. It is also a black day for the Likud party, which has become a branch of the Haredim and the draft evaders.'
The leader of the opposition Blue and White party, MK Benny Gantz, said in a video statement, 'Just moments ago, Likud members decided to abandon our heroic fighters and turn a blind eye to the challenges and security interests of the State of Israel—for political gain. In the midst of a war, the Likud members, led by Netanyahu, chose to turn one of the most important committees in the Knesset into mere window dressing, with one goal: to exempt the Haredim from military service.'
Gantz continued, 'To all Likud Knesset members I say today—you've lost touch with the people, and you've lost your way. This is not Begin's Likud. This is absolutely not the legacy of Jabotinsky. Anyone who thinks the fight is over, that the draft exemption law will pass—they're mistaken. We will keep fighting, and we won't give up. Those who serve will not surrender to the corrupt. It will take as long as it takes.'
Former prime minister Naftali Bennett also criticized the decision, saying that 'Likud and Netanyahu have now stabbed IDF soldiers and reservists in the back.'
'This is a mark of disgrace for eternity on every Knesset member who voted for the impeachment. The government of draft-dodging and degradation must go home to save Israel. The alliance of those who serve will prevail,' he said on X.
This is a developing story.
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