Israel’s opposition warns of a security disaster as political unity over the Iran war fractures, citing a stretched military and a critical troop shortage.
JERUSALEM: Israel’s political unity over the war against Iran has fractured, with the opposition warning of a looming security disaster.
The main opposition leader, Yair Lapid, issued a stark televised warning on the 27th day of the conflict.
“I want to warn the citizens of Israel. We are facing another security disaster,” Lapid said.
He stated the military is stretched beyond its limits and accused the government of leaving it wounded on the battlefield.
Lapid’s comments responded to leaked remarks from military chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir.
Zamir reportedly told the security cabinet the IDF was on the verge of collapse and needed a new conscription law.
Such a law would allow the enlistment of ultra-Orthodox Jews, who are largely exempt from mandatory service.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has delayed this legislation, relying on ultra-Orthodox allies to maintain power.
He reportedly promised the army would receive support and the law would pass after the upcoming Passover holidays.
Lapid called for immediate action to draft ultra-Orthodox men into the military.
“The government must stop being cowardly, immediately halt all funding for Haredi draft dodgers, send the military police after deserters, and draft the Haredim without hesitation,” Lapid said.
Former prime minister Naftali Bennett echoed criticism of the government’s strategy and the exemptions.
“Our main goal in Iran was to dismantle the nuclear programme – there are still 460 kg of enriched uranium in Iran,” Bennett said.
Military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin confirmed the army needs more combat troops.
This is especially critical in southern Lebanon, where it is creating a defensive zone against Hezbollah.
A poll showed 60% of Israelis support continuing the war against Iran.
It also found 67% back combat operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon.