Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voiced opposition to the arrests of yeshiva students who evade conscription into the military in a Kol Barama interview on Tuesday morning, expressing further uncertainty over whether legislation regulating haredi (ultra-Orthodox) conscription could be passed before the swearing-in of a new government.
Netanyahu argued that the arrests of yeshiva students undermine efforts to encourage haredi enlistment without coercion.
"This is unacceptable. We need to preserve the world of Torah study because it has preserved us," Netanyahu said.
"These arrests are a deliberate attempt to undermine the process of recruiting haredim without coercion. I greatly respect the world of Torah study, but anyone who is not studying should enlist."
Netanyahu casts doubt on enacting conscription law before new gov't sworn in
Netanyahu was also asked about the haredi parties' demand that a conscription law be enacted before the government is sworn in.
"I wish we could do that. Will we be able to do it before the government is formed? Who knows? It depends on goodwill, it depends on understanding and cooperation," Netanyahu said.
"I know that many in the haredi community understand that there needs to be a new sharing of the burden," he added.