Netanyahu can't campaign against draft-evasion law he just backed – editorial

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing scrutiny for reportedly admitting that his government's recent law freezing arrests of Haredi draft evaders was a "failure." This admission, made in a closed-door meeting, came less than three weeks after his coalition passed the controversial legislation on July 14, which the High Court of Justice subsequently froze. Netanyahu reportedly stated that under the next government, draft evaders who do not study Torah would either "enlist or go to prison." Critics argue that his repudiation of the law, which he actively supported, is an attempt to repair his credibility after it became an electoral liability. The article contends that Netanyahu must present concrete legislation, including enlistment targets, a binding timetable, and sanctions, before elections to demonstrate genuine commitment to addressing the IDF's manpower shortage and ensuring equality of obligation.