Netanyahu hits new lows in his battle for survival; there will be a great deal of damage for better leaders to undo

Prime Minister Netanyahu recently advanced legislation to legitimize mass exemptions from IDF service for the ultra-Orthodox community, despite strong warnings from military leadership. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, in a letter to Netanyahu and other officials, stated the bill would harm the IDF's operational capabilities and create a severe manpower shortage. Zamir emphasized that the law would incentivize non-service and that the IDF is incapable of determining eligibility for exemptions, warning that such a process would "create a deep rift with those who are serving." Netanyahu proceeded with the legislation, which also bans arrests and prosecution of ultra-Orthodox individuals who refuse service. The High Court has since frozen the implementation of the "no arrests of draft dodgers" law, pending an urgent hearing.