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Liberman: The Draft-Dodging Government Must Go Home

Yisrael Beiteinu chairman sharply attacks the transfer of 140 million shekels to ultra-Orthodox educational institutions while soldiers lack equipment
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Dim Amor

Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Liberman launched a fierce attack last night against the Israeli government led by Benjamin Netanyahu, following the decision to transfer an additional 140 million shekels to ultra-Orthodox educational institutions. Liberman, known for his sharp criticism of ultra-Orthodox society and the government's policy toward it, published a strongly worded statement on social media platform X in which he defines the government as "the October 7th government" and accuses it of distorted priorities.

"The October 7th government is transferring an additional 140 million shekels to ultra-Orthodox educational institutions – while there is no budget for advanced shovels, excavators and bulldozers for soldiers at the front", Liberman wrote in a post that is receiving stormy responses on social media. The veteran leader continued and claimed that this represents the priorities of "the draft-dodging government that must go home".

Liberman's use of the term "October 7th government" constitutes a serious political accusation that identifies the government with the tragic events of the war's beginning. He points to the sharp contrast between transferring funds to ultra-Orthodox educational institutions and the shortage of advanced equipment for soldiers fighting at the front, while emphasizing what he defines as a lack of proper priorities.

The criticism comes against the backdrop of an ongoing war during which enormous investments in security are required, while the government continues to transfer significant budgets to the ultra-Orthodox sector. Liberman, known for his tough demands to change the government's relations with ultra-Orthodox society, sees this step as a clear expression of what he calls "a draft-dodging government".

Liberman's reference to the government as "the draft-dodging government" reflects the widespread criticism of the military exemption policy that the ultra-Orthodox sector receives, especially during a period when soldiers are being wounded and killed at the front. He presents the public dilemma between continuing to provide benefits to those who do not serve in the army versus the apparent neglect of urgent security needs.

Liberman's post raises difficult questions about the government's budget decisions during wartime, as he contrasts the allocation of an additional 140 million shekels to ultra-Orthodox educational institutions with the shortage of advanced equipment for soldiers. The use of the words "advanced shovels, excavators and bulldozers" emphasizes the need for advanced technologies for combat soldiers, which he claims are not receiving adequate funding.

Knesset member Avigdor Liberman's call that "the draft-dodging government must go home" constitutes a sharp and controversial political focus during this sensitive period. According to him, the government is failing to set proper priorities between urgent security needs and its political commitments to ultra-Orthodox coalition partners.

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