Leading members of the anti-Netanyahu bloc dismissed any potential cooperation with the Knesset’s ultra-Orthodox parties in the next government on Wednesday, after two opposition party leaders appeared to open the door to cooperation despite sharply divergent views on conscription and sanctions on draft evaders.

Responding to a clip of the Democrats chairman Yair Golan telling party activists that he would be willing to sit with the Haredim in order to replace the current coalition, former prime minister Naftali Bennett and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid released simultaneous statements eschewing any possibility of compromise with Shas and United Torah Judaism.

“All the talk about ‘compromises with the Haredim’ is a political mistake and a moral error. After 40 years, we have a real opportunity for real change. For the first time, an opportunity has arisen to enlist young Haredi men, mandate core curriculum studies, and integrate them into the labor market,” said Lapid, insisting that such an opportunity should not be missed “for short-term political gains.”

Bennett, likewise, asserted that “Israel is at an existential moment” and “will not survive when more and more of its citizens are educated to [say] ‘we will die before we enlist,’ do not serve in the IDF, and do not join the workforce.”

“The working and serving public cannot continue to bear the economic and security burden alone. This is national suicide in slow motion, and I will not let it happen. I want it to be clear to everyone: In the next government under my leadership, there will be no compromises on draft issues. There will be no political deals at the expense of those serving in the army,” Bennett said.

On Tuesday evening, the........

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