Israel faces impending crisis over ultra-Orthodox conscription legislation

Israel faces a potential political crisis as debates intensify over conscripting ultra-Orthodox Jews into the military. Public sentiment has shifted significantly after two years of war, placing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a politically precarious position.

Lawmakers are reviewing a draft bill that would end the longstanding exemption for ultra-Orthodox men engaged in full-time religious study, a policy originally set in 1948. Although Israels High Court of Justice deemed the exemption illegal nearly two decades ago, temporary arrangements allowed it to continue until the court ruled them invalid last year, compelling the government to initiate drafting measures.

Last year, approximately 24,000 draft notices were issued, yet only about 1,200 ultra-Orthodox men, also known as Haredi, reported for service, according to testimony presented to lawmakers.

Public protests are intensifying. Recent incidents include two Haredi politicians being targeted by extreme ultra-Orthodox demonstrators, and a Border Police intervention to protect Military Police officers attempting to arrest a suspected draft-evader. These events led to the creation of a rapid messaging system called "Black Alert," which mobilizes ultra-Orthodox communities to block arrests.

Last month, tens of thousands of Haredi men demonstrated in Jerusalem, framing the draft issue as part of a larger debate over Israels Jewish identity and the role of religion. "We're a Jewish country," said Shmuel Orbach, a protester. "You can't fight against Judaism in a Jewish country."

Meanwhile, inside Bnei Braks Kisse Rahamim yeshiva, daily life continues largely unaffected. Teenage boys study religious laws, with their head, Rabbi Tzemach Mazuz, explaining, "By studying Torah, we protect the soldiers wherever they are. This is our army." Ultra-Orthodox communities view continuous prayer and study as integral to Israels military success, a perspective historically respected by politicians.

Rabbi Mazuz acknowledged that attitudes are shifting. "Many in the government and the Knesset have distanced themselves from religion. They claim yeshiva students are lazy, which is not true. In Tel Aviv, there are tens of thousands of draft-dodgerswhy arent they being drafted instead?"

The ultra-Orthodox population has grown considerably, now making up 14% of Israel's population. What began as a limited exemption has expanded to a cohort of roughly 60,000 men who are not subject to conscription. Public support for conscription is increasing, with a recent survey showing 85% of non-Haredi Jews favor sanctions against draft refusers.

Some religious Jews outside the Haredi community also back the move. Dorit Barak, who maintains a memorial for soldiers in Bnei Brak, said, "Its unfair that ultra-Orthodox people dont serve. I believe in the Torah, but there is a saying, 'The Book and the Sword'Torah and the guns together."

The Israel Defense Forces has set up special units for the few ultra-Orthodox men who volunteer. Netanyahu announced that the new draft legislation could see 10,000 yeshiva students conscripted within two years, calling it "a real revolution." Ultra-Orthodox parties are key allies in his coalition, often conditioning their support on continued exemptions for their followers.

The current draft bill has been criticized by both opposition and coalition members as too lenient. It largely maintains the exemption for full-time yeshiva students and removes sanctions for draft-dodgers once they turn 26. Opposition leader Yair Lapid denounced it as "a disgrace" and vowed to block it.

Some ultra-Orthodox parties may accept the bill as a compromise, while Rabbi Mazuz emphasized a cautious approach, citing divine guidance in political affairs and historical events, including the Hamas attacks of October 2023.

The debate reflects deeper tensions in Israeli society, as ultra-Orthodox communities and their political allies confront questions about what it means to be Jewish and Israeli, and how traditional lifestyles intersect with modern military obligations.

Author: Sophia Brooks