By Matt Underwood Ultra-Orthodox Israelis, exempt for decades from military service, are now being drafted.
Okay, so let’s unpack this, because it’s a pretty significant shift in Israeli society. For decades, a sizable portion of the ultra-Orthodox, also known as Haredi Jews, have been largely exempt from mandatory military service. This has led to a situation where a certain segment of the population shoulders a disproportionate burden of national defense while others, for religious and political reasons, have been able to avoid it. This has been a point of tension and, frankly, resentment, for a long time. You hear comments like, “One third of the population pays taxes, one third works, and one third serves in the army. The problem is, it’s the same one third,” which really highlights the imbalance.
So, why is this now changing? Well, it boils down to a few key factors. First off, a government order that previously prevented the army from drafting them has expired. This, combined with the ongoing war and the significant loss of life on the battlefield, has created an urgent need for more manpower. The army needs bodies, plain and simple. Furthermore, the reservists themselves, who have been pulled from their jobs and families, are increasingly resentful of the ultra-Orthodox exemption. They see it as unfair, as if the lives of the ultra-Orthodox are somehow worth more than their own or that of the secular Israeli. An Israeli judge declared the draft exemption illegal based on equality statutes. This has created a social pressure to address this long-standing inequity.
It’s also worth noting that the current political climate is a factor. Some observers believe that this shift could trigger a collapse of the ruling coalition. The ultra-Orthodox community has historically wielded significant political influence. The prospect of their members being drafted could have a serious impact on the government’s stability, potentially leading to early elections. Some might say this is a good thing and see it as a chance to reset the political landscape. Others are concerned about the instability it may cause.
This change is also seen as a matter of national security, especially given the rising regional tensions. The government might need “all hands on deck” as tensions rise. Plus, with the Gaza offensive looming, the army knows it will need a lot of boots on the ground for what will likely be bloody urban conflict. This situation underscores the necessity of a prepared society. It’s not about the politics, it’s about the safety of the citizens.
One interesting aspect of this whole situation is how it might affect the ultra-Orthodox community itself. Critics suggest that the exemptions have allowed them to avoid contributing to society. Others believe that being drafted might give the ultra-Orthodox a better understanding of the situation and possibly create a shift in their voting habits. Whether they are considered “right” or “far-right” is a moot point as their actions are not reflective of either; their interest is solely in getting government subsidies and avoiding the army.
There are some who worry that the ultra-Orthodox will be placed in “special units” with special privileges, as usual, which could lead to tensions. But there’s no denying this is a step toward creating more balance in society. It’s also interesting to see how the wider public is reacting.
Overall, it’s a complex issue, but the fact remains: The long-standing exemption for the ultra-Orthodox from military service is ending. This is a major development with far-reaching implications for Israeli society, politics, and the future of the country.