More than 60 local leaders urge Netanyahu to stop haredi draft bill, caution against social division

In a recent appeal, municipal leaders emphasized that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) urgently require additional soldiers to shoulder the responsibility of safeguarding the nation. They highlighted that compulsory military service embodies Israels collective destiny.

Over 60 mayors and heads of local councils addressed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and Boaz Bismuth, chair of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, urging them to halt the progression of the latest haredi draft legislation. This appeal followed the introduction of the newest draft plan, which the signatories argue could widen social divisions and undermine public confidence.

The letter described the proposal as a serious strike to shared responsibility and cautioned that it threatens societal cohesion. Leaders warned that exempting some groups while others bear the full burden weakens both security and the principle of mutual accountability. According to the municipal heads, the current draft lacks fairness and solidarity, posing a risk to Israels social fabric and potentially deepening the disconnect between citizens and state institutions.

They further noted that the bill could severely diminish public trust and reduce the willingness of various communities to contribute to national service. The letter specifically targeted Netanyahu, Katz, and Bismuth following the tabling of the draft in the Knesset. Signatories included prominent figures from cities and regional councils nationwide, such as Ron Huldai (Tel Aviv), Yona Yahav (Haifa), Yariv Fisher (Herzliya), Galit Shaul (Hefer Valley Regional Council), Ran Kunik (Givatayim), Rafi Saar (Kfar Saba), Haim Broida (Raanana), Yitzhak Rochberger (Ramat Hasharon), Amir Kochavi (Hod Hasharon), among others.

Bismuth Proposes New Haredi Draft Structure

Boaz Bismuth recently presented a new draft framework for haredi conscription as the coalition seeks to formalize service requirements for ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students. Experts have expressed concern that the plan may relax enforcement without improving enlistment, while the IDF continues to face critical manpower shortages amid ongoing military pressures.

This legislation represents the latest effort to establish a permanent legal framework for the recruitment or exemption of haredi men, following a High Court ruling that the state cannot continue broad exemptions without legal justification or addressing unequal service obligations.

The proposed draft outlines a five-year recruitment plan for haredi men, with the first year extending over 18 months. It also annuls all draft orders issued to haredim since 2023, effectively providing retroactive relief for those previously called up under the earlier legal ambiguity. Notably, the Bismuth draft eliminates mandatory combat quotas, a departure from earlier versions that required a set percentage of haredi recruits to serve in combat or combat-support units.

Author: Sophia Brooks