Why military service could shape Israel’s future as the exemption fight intensifies
A widening social divide
Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox men confronted military police in an October clash in Israel, one of several recent disputes over conscription. Protests have continued intermittently, including demonstrations that blocked major highways and efforts to stop religious students from being arrested.
Ultra-Orthodox Jews are estimated to make up about 14% of the population, and their birth rate is higher than that of other Israelis. If current growth continues, they could account for one-third of the Jewish Israeli population by 2050.
Service under wartime pressure
The community’s focus on religious study is reflected in a separate education system, and many Haredim are outside Israel’s workforce. Their limited presence in the conscription army has drawn greater attention since the October 7 attacks, as Israel has fought wars on several fronts.
Rabbi Dov Landau has argued that religious students should not serve, visit wounded people or attend soldiers’ funerals. He said Torah study protects Israel spiritually and that increasing such study would help protect the country.
A coalition’s political dilemma
Political consultant and pollster Dahlia Scheindlin says the exemption is a pressing concern for right-wing communities, including people angry that the government is maintaining it while Israelis serve and die in the wars. National security and the economy are also central election issues.
United Torah Judaism and Shas have used their influence in Netanyahu’s coalition to resist enforcement of a Supreme Court ruling. Both parties have threatened to leave the alliance; United Torah Judaism did so but continued supporting the government from outside, while Shas stayed in the coalition.
Key points
- Ultra-Orthodox men’s exemption from military service has become a central political and social dispute.
- The community is estimated to be about 14% of Israel’s population and could grow to one-third of Jewish Israelis by 2050.
- Protests have included highway blockades and attempts to prevent arrests of religious students.
- United Torah Judaism and Shas have made the exemption a leading electoral priority.