Israel's Interior Ministry and IDF Chief Warn of Political Exploitation Amid Draft Law Debate

Israel's Interior Ministry, led by CEO Israel Ozen, has rejected a proposal to use municipal tax enforcement as a tool to compel enlistment, arguing that the measure would create massive budget deficits for local authorities and push thousands of low‑income families below the poverty line. The ministry warned that turning local governments into extensions of the army would destabilise municipal finances and harm public services.

At the same time, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant‑General Ayal Zamir cautioned that political forces are trying to involve the army in ongoing disputes over the draft law and the extension of regular service. He emphasized that the military must remain separate from political battles and highlighted the strain on manpower caused by the prolonged conflict.