MK Alon Schuster (National Unity) criticized opposition chief MK Yair Lapid’s (Yesh Atid) decision not to attend the official torch-lighting ceremony.
“Lapid is not my leader, he is the opposition chief, and the opposition is diverse,” Schuster told Galei Israel Radio. “I very much want to respect the national events, even when there are significant disagreements.”
He added, “I think that it would be appropriate that those representing the leadership should appear in places where the event is national. I hope, at the same time, that the government does not use these events for political ends.”

On the issue of the Draft Law, Schuster said, “For many years we have not rejected the idea of National Service, which is a legitimate path, including in the community, civilian service. This is our intent. It’s true that we are speaking about prioritizing the military system, but yes, I think that we will cause great harm if we accept the idea that only some of the young people will enlist in any kind of service. This isn’t logical.”
“I think that what is important is a dialogue regarding a lot more than the army. If we give blanket exemptions, essentially, to over 50% of those who are required to enlist, then we need to ask whether the rest of the young people will agree to put their lives on the line. Whoever wishes to end the principle of everyone being required to serve – whether in a civilian capacity or a military capacity – is uprooting our abilities in the future.”