Opposition pans Netanyahu ‘spin’ as he distances himself from Haredi draft evasion law

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing accusations of "spin" from opposition politicians and even ultra-Orthodox parties after he indicated his next government would address Haredi conscription, despite recently passing laws to prevent the arrest of draft evaders. Netanyahu reportedly stated, "Anyone who does not study Torah will enlist or go to prison," a little over two weeks after his coalition passed legislation temporarily banning the arrest and prosecution of ultra-Orthodox men evading military service. This law was immediately frozen by the High Court. Critics, including former prime minister Naftali Bennett, called Netanyahu's comments "pathetic spin," arguing he has personally prevented Haredi recruitment for years. Ultra-Orthodox parties, such as United Torah Judaism, also condemned Netanyahu, with chairman Yitzhak Goldknopf stating, "The prime minister does not intend to regulate the status of yeshiva students and does not plan to introduce a conscription law." Tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox men are eligible for service but have ignored conscription orders, leading to widespread public anger over unequal burden-sharing.