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Former Sephardi Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef reiterated his opposition to ultra-Orthodox enlistment in the IDF, saying in a video filmed earlier this month that even those not actively studying in yeshivas — and therefore idle — should not join the military.
"Even someone who's idle shouldn't join the army," he said, claiming that some yeshiva students who enlisted "were corrupted," became secular, and only later returned to religious life.
Rabbi Yosef, who concluded his term as chief rabbi in July and was succeeded by his brother Rabbi David Yosef, has long been vocal against drafting ultra-Orthodox men. In previous remarks, he encouraged yeshiva students to destroy draft notices, saying, "Tear it up, throw it in the toilet and flush it. Ignore it entirely."
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During his weekly lecture late last month, Yosef criticized delays in passing a draft exemption law for ultra-Orthodox students, blaming the situation for financial difficulties facing yeshivas. "The delay has caused problems. There are no funds for the yeshivas, which are suffering from a lack of financing, unable to expand and facing restrictions," he said.
National Unity Party leader Benny Gantz condemned Yosef's comments, calling them "unacceptable, dangerous and illegitimate." He emphasized, "Everyone must serve the country."