The issue of military conscription for ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) Jewish men is a central point of discussion in Israel, encompassing legal challenges, governmental efforts, and public protests. The debate has intensified due to current military manpower requirements and evolving public sentiment, leading to significant political ramifications and recent demonstrations, including a fatal incident in Jerusalem.
Background and Legal Framework
The exemption from mandatory military service for ultra-Orthodox men engaged in full-time religious study was initially established in 1948, coinciding with the founding of the State of Israel. This exemption was subsequently ruled illegal by Israel's High Court of Justice nearly two decades ago. Last year, temporary legal arrangements permitting the exemption concluded, prompting the government to initiate the conscription process for ultra-Orthodox men. Over the past year, approximately 24,000 draft notices were issued; however, military testimony indicates that only about 1,200 ultra-Orthodox draftees reported for duty. By the commencement of the Gaza conflict, the number of men exempt under this arrangement had grown to approximately 60,000.
Current Legislative Efforts and Political Challenges
The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is currently addressing the conscription issue, which presents political challenges. Ultra-Orthodox parties are integral to Netanyahu's coalition, and a key demand from these parties for their continued support is the preservation of military draft exemptions for their constituents. This issue has previously led to the collapse of Netanyahu's governments on two occasions.
In October, Prime Minister Netanyahu announced a new draft bill aiming to enlist 10,000 yeshiva students within two years. A previous conscription bill was defeated in July, leading to the United Torah Judaism party withdrawing from the government, which left the coalition with 60 of 120 parliamentary seats. Ministers from the Shas party also resigned over the matter, though the party has not formally exited the coalition.
Public Response and Protests
The ongoing debate in the Knesset regarding a new draft bill has been met with public demonstrations. Last month, tens of thousands of Haredi men protested in Jerusalem, viewing the issue as part of a broader discussion on the identity of the Jewish state and the role of religion within it. This month, ultra-Orthodox protesters targeted two Haredi politicians.
Last week, a special Border Police unit intervened to rescue Military Police officers who were targeted by a crowd of Haredi men while attempting to arrest a suspected draft-evader. A messaging system known as "Black Alert" has been established to quickly disseminate information within ultra-Orthodox communities and mobilize protesters to prevent arrests.
Fatal Incident During Jerusalem ProtestOn Tuesday, an 18-year-old male was fatally injured during an ultra-Orthodox protest against military conscription in Jerusalem. The incident occurred when a bus struck the crowd, resulting in the teenager being crushed. Israeli police have detained the bus driver, who is currently under investigation. Video footage from the scene depicts a bus moving into a crowd of ultra-Orthodox men. Police statements indicated the driver alleged he was assaulted by protesters prior to the incident, after the bus was reportedly obstructed by demonstrators.
Thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews participated in the rally. Police reported that a segment of the protest involved public disorder, including blocking traffic, damaging buses, setting trash bins on fire, and throwing objects at law enforcement and journalists. Such demonstrations have occurred regularly in recent months.
Demographics and Public Opinion
The ultra-Orthodox population has more than doubled its share of Israel's total population over the past seven decades, now constituting approximately 14% of Israel's Jewish population.
Opinion polls indicate increasing support for ultra-Orthodox conscription among other segments of the population. A July survey by the Israel Democracy Institute found that 85% of non-Haredi Jews, including nearly 75% of those in Prime Minister Netanyahu's Likud party, supported sanctions for individuals refusing a draft order. A majority of respondents favored potential sanctions such as withdrawing benefits, passports, or voting rights.
Perspectives on Service
Inside the Kisse Rahamim yeshiva in Bnei Brak, students continue to study Judaism's religious laws. Rabbi Tzemach Mazuz, head of the yeshiva, has stated that continuous prayer and religious study protect Israel's soldiers and are as crucial as military hardware. He acknowledged societal changes and questioned why focus was placed on yeshiva students when, in his view, there were other individuals who did not serve.
Some religious Jews, such as Dorit Barak, support extending the draft and reference the Hebrew saying "Safra and Saifa" (The Book and the Sword), advocating for a combination of religious study and military service. The Israel Defense Forces maintains special units for the ultra-Orthodox men who choose to serve.