A heated confrontation erupted during a meeting of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee as lawmakers debated legislation that would freeze the arrests of yeshiva bochurim. The exchange was triggered by remarks from Yesh Atid MK Elazar Stern, who questioned how anyone could avoid resenting the chareidi community while reservists continue serving in the military.

During the discussion, Stern addressed one of those present and said, “How can you not hate the chareidim when you see them celebrating during Bein Hazemanim in the Galilee while everyone else is in reserve duty?”

His comments immediately sparked outrage among the chareidi members of the committee.

Shas MK Yinon Azoulay fired back sharply, declaring, “I don’t know any Jew who hates another Jew. If you hate Jews, then your Jewishness should be examined.”

MK Moshe Solomon also entered the exchange, telling Stern, “It is forbidden to hate a Jew. Elazar, my friend, I believe it is forbidden to hate a Jew, no matter what.”

Later in the discussion, Stern sought to clarify his remarks, saying, “I don’t hate people at all—not just Jews.”

The tense exchange took place against the backdrop of the ongoing national debate over the military draft of yeshiva bochurim and proposed legislation to suspend the arrests of those who have declined to report to military induction centers in accordance with the directives of Gedolei Yisroel.

{Matzav.com}