15-07-2025
Deri and Lapid clash over IDF draft law, sanctions on ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students
Aryeh Deri responded to the Attorney-General's discussion on the High Court of Justice consideration over the draft law and the plan to toughen sanctions against yeshiva students who don't enlist.
Shas chairman Aryeh Deri on Wednesday responded to the attorney general's discussion on the High Court of Justice deliberations over the draft law and the plan to toughen sanctions against ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students who do not enlist.
Deri's remarks prompted a sharp exchange with opposition leader Yair Lapid after he lashed out at Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara.
"The draconian directives issued today by the attorney-general against Torah scholars in the Jewish state are a disgrace and a loss of composure," he said. "The use of extreme measures, treating yeshiva students as if they were criminals, should shock every Jew who loves and respects the Torah. We will not allow any authority to interfere with a yeshiva student's dedication to Torah study."
"Minister Deri, instead of attacking the attorney-general who is merely upholding the law, your duty is to tell the yeshiva students: 'Israel is fighting for its existence; there is no choice but for you to enlist alongside your brothers on the battlefield.' Anyone who sits in the cabinet and sends soldiers to die in Gaza has no moral right to encourage draft evasion," Lapid countered.
The Shas party responded to Lapid in a statement.
"Mr. Opposition Leader, you are disconnected. Rabbi Deri is not a minister and not a cabinet member. He participates as a guest in select forums due to his judgment as a responsible figure. He does not 'send soldiers to their deaths,' as you offensively phrased it, but contributes to Israel's security and saves lives, as he did during the operation in Iran and other security events, as attested by security officials."
"It is time you internalized," the Shas statement read. "Torah students are not draft dodgers—they are the foundation of our existence, as we saw in the miracles during the Iranian missile attack. They make a decisive contribution to Israel's security. The real draft dodgers are in the areas you represent—in Tel Aviv, where enlistment rates are low. Enough with the shirking."
In response, Lapid slammed the statement, calling it a "disgrace" to the memory of fallen soldiers.
"Since the start of the war, 29 fallen soldiers have come from Tel Aviv," Lapid fired back. "This statement by Shas is a disgrace to the memory of IDF soldiers. Not only do they promote draft evasion and refusal, but now they are also dishonoring the memory of our heroes. I expect Aryeh Deri to apologize for Shas's shameful statement."
