Yitzhak Goldknopf, chairman of United Torah Judaism, told Makor Rishon on Thursday that the haredim would leave Israel if there is "no choice" regarding military conscription.
In the interview, Goldknopf discussed the High Court of Justice’s deliberations on the draft law and the government’s plan to strengthen sanctions against ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students who refuse to enlist.
“If there is no choice and they must leave the country, they will leave,” Goldknopf said. “The country will be without haredim. The haredim will not change their way of life because there is an army and a war. There is an army, and there are people who will join it. If you need 50,000 soldiers, take those avoiding service. There are 100,000 avoiding service in Tel Aviv, in the Dan region.”
Goldknopf’s comments come amid growing criticism from his advisors of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, especially regarding delays in advancing the draft law. He made it clear that the Haredi parties will support anyone who meets their demands.
When asked about his opinion on the religious Zionist community, which has a significantly higher number of IDF casualties than their demographic weighting, Goldknopf responded, “Their pain is theirs, and our pain is ours. Don’t bring me your pain and pass it on to me. Let’s decide on our own terms, each with our own priorities.”
No understanding for reservists
When asked if the UTJ chairman understood the pain of a father called up for reserves who now has to leave his family, Goldknopf responded, “I don’t understand. I didn’t decide that he had to leave. If he decided that this was his path and he wants to leave, then he’s leaving.”
Additionally, he commented on the arrests of haredim at protests against the draft law: “I do not suggest arresting yeshiva students. It would cause shock in Israeli society and around the world. I do not suggest that anyone in Israel act in this manner. It breaks all conventions and crosses a red line.”
Netanyahu needs to show action if he wants support
Goldknopf also discussed Netanyahu’s role in the draft law debate. “If he wanted to, and we could lie about it like we do with other things, there would already be a conscription law. When the Prime Minister wants something, he gathers everyone in a room, sits them down, and reaches an agreement. If Netanyahu wants our support next time, he will need to show actions even before the government is formed. I cannot come today and say that Netanyahu promises something. Which of the rabbis would believe it?”
When asked if he had closed the door on Netanyahu, Goldknopf concluded, “I do not close or open doors. We are committed to our public, and whoever can deliver what our public asks for will receive us. Whoever only talks, let them stay with their words. In the meantime, Netanyahu has only talked during this term.”
Israeli leaders react
Opposition Leader MK Yair Lapid responded to Goldknopf's claims, stating he "once again repeats the disgusting lie today about 'the draft dodgers from Tel Aviv.' The recruitment rates in Tel Aviv are like the national average, and in the northern neighborhoods, they are much higher (82%)."
He added that, "Since the start of the war, there have been 29 fallen soldiers from Tel Aviv. I invite Goldknopf to join me on the upcoming Memorial Day for the ceremony of reading the names of the fallen in my neighborhood. Maybe there he will learn to be ashamed.
Amichai Stein contributed to this report.