Bennett warns of an 'independent Haredi state' outside the rule of law in Israel
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett warns of the rise of an 'independent Haredi state' in Israel that is not subject to Israeli law, following a violent incident involving female soldiers.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has raised alarms about the emergence of what he terms an 'independent Haredi state' in Israel that operates outside the bounds of national law. He made these warnings in response to a disturbing incident in Bnei Brak, near Tel Aviv, where two female soldiers were reportedly attacked by groups of Jewish extremists, necessitating police intervention to ensure their safety. Bennett expressed deep concerns for the safety of the female soldiers and others, emphasizing the need to address the root causes of such violence before it escalates further.
In his posts on social media platform X, Bennett pointed out that many parents of the attacked soldiers are afraid for their daughters' safety, illustrating a broader societal issue where radical elements threaten the social fabric. He criticized the Israeli government's policies that exempt the Haredi community from military service and core educational subjects, suggesting this has contributed to an environment where Haredim are increasingly isolated from Israeli society. He also highlighted the complications faced by law enforcement when addressing disturbances, implying an ineffectiveness in maintaining order in these areas.
Bennett's remarks reflect a growing tension within Israeli society over the role and influence of the Haredi community, which has often been at odds with the secular majority. His warning serves as a call to action for the government to reassess its approach towards Haredi integration and the rule of law, stressing that failure to do so may result in further societal fractures and conflict in the future.