One of the hallmark traits of Israeli politicians is their inability to read the writing on the walls and to know when to get out, to step down with a modicum of dignity before being churned into the political system’s unforgiving elimination process.

According to most political analysts, this is the case today with Kadima leader Shaul Mofaz. A man who rose to the ranks of IDF Chief of staff and served as minister of defense has done everything to take hold of his party. Well, he succeeded but now, his colleagues are leaving, one by one, aware there is no political future in Kadima.

Kadima today holds 28 seats in Knesset and according to polls; Mofaz will be left with 2-3 seats following elections, becoming an insignificant voice in the Israeli parliament.

On Thursday, 23 Cheshvan 5773, Mofaz was interviewed by Kol Chai Radio’s Moti Lavi, as the opposition leader made an effort to set the record straight, wishing to buy his way back into the chareidi community’s favor.

Mofaz and his Kadima Party championed the fight to “share the burden”, demanding that all avreichim and talmidei yeshiva of eligible age serve in the IDF. He explained to Lavi that he is “not against chareidi, but rather wishes to help them become more accepted in Israeli social circles and enter the workplace”.

Mofaz added that he knows for a fact that most chareidim wish to serve in the IDF and join the workforce, and he remains confident this trend will continue, not by draft of by throwing people into jail, but because this is the direction being taken by the tzibur.

He stressed he is motivated by his concern for the chareidim and not his disdain for the community.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)