"Israeli" Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and several cabinet members criticized Defense Minister Yoav Gallant yesterday for his refusal to support an ultra-Orthodox draft law unless it garnered broad consensus in the Knesset, according to “Israeli” media reports.

The "Israeli" cabinet convened to explore strategies for boosting army enrollment, including a defense proposal to extend mandatory service for men to three years. 

Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi took Gallant to task, questioning why the defense minister was willing to back extending mandatory service without opposition support but was hesitant to do the same for the ultra-Orthodox enlistment bill currently under consideration in the Knesset.

Gallant had previously insisted that the ultra-Orthodox enlistment bill should be introduced with the backing of all coalition parties, including Benny Gantz’s faction.

Leaked comments published by national broadcaster KAN revealed Karhi's concerns during Sunday’s meeting, stating that the failure to pass the Haredi conscription legislation "will lead to the collapse of the coalition, which will harm the security of the country and give a victory to [Hamas leader Yahya] Sinwar."

Gallant countered, emphasizing the increasing threats to "Israel" and the dwindling number of army personnel. “Where do you plan to bring soldiers from? And how do you want the "Israeli" army to continue fighting? We need more forces for the army,” he argued.

Netanyahu criticized Gallant’s position on the Haredi draft bill, labeling it “the height of cynicism and politicization.” The Prime Minister asserted that the proposed law “significantly increases the conscription of the ultra-Orthodox.”

In response, Gallant warned, “We are going through a sensitive period. We need to reach an agreement to return the hostages. The political attempt to link the release of the hostages to exempting the Haredim from conscription is dangerous and irresponsible.”