From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Bennett and Lapid say no compromise with Haredim in apparent swipe at Eisenkot, Golan
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleSam Sokol is a former political correspondent at The Times of Israel. He was previously a reporter for the Jerusalem Post, Jewish Telegraphic Agency and Haaretz. He is the author of "Putin’s Hybrid War and the Jews"
Former prime minister Naftali Bennett and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid release simultaneous statements decrying any compromise with the Haredim, following recent comments by fellow opposition party leaders indicating a potential willingness to sit in government with the Knesset’s ultra-Orthodox parties in the next government.
“All the talk about ‘compromises with the Haredim’ is a political mistake and a moral error. After 40 years, we have a real opportunity for real change. For the first time, an opportunity has arisen to enlist young Haredi men, mandate core curriculum studies, and integrate them into the labor market,” says Lapid, insisting that such an opportunity should not be missed “for short-term political gains.”
In a separate statement, Bennett says “Israel is at an existential moment,” insisting that the state “will not survive when more and more of its citizens are educated to [say] ‘we will die before we enlist,’ do not serve in the IDF, and do not join the workforce.”
“The working and serving public cannot continue to bear the economic and security burden alone. This is national suicide in slow motion, and I will not let it happen. I want it to be clear to everyone: In the next government under my leadership, there will be no compromises on draft issues. There will be no political deals at the expense of those serving in the army,” Bennett says.
Bennett and Lapid’s statements come after Channel 14 broadcast a clip last night of The Democrats chairman Yair Golan telling party activists that he would be willing to sit in government with the Knesset’s ultra-Orthodox parties in order to replace the current coalition. Golan subsequently stated this morning that “the Haredi parties have disqualified themselves” and “will be outside” the next government.
Last week, Yashar chairman Gadi Eisenkot reportedly met with Degel HaTorah chairman Moshe Gafni. Eisenkot, who has indicated that he supports granting service exemptions for up to three percent of Haredim, has said that he maintains good relations with the Haredim, despite differences of opinion. He recently generated anger by stating that he would join a coalition “with those who strengthen Israel” when asked if he would sit with the Haredi parties.
The Times of Israel Community.