Opposition leaders have sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for appointing Yisrael Eichler as Deputy Communications Minister, alleging the move is a political maneuver to secure passage of a controversial draft law exempting yeshiva students from military service. Yair Lapid accused the prime minister of betraying soldiers and reservists, while Avigdor Liberman labeled the appointment a 'bribe' and called it disgraceful. The arrangement is reportedly intended to ensure Eichler's resignation from the Knesset, thus removing his opposition vote and enabling another member to support the draft exemption bill. Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, however, welcomed the appointment and expressed confidence in advancing the government's legislative agenda.