Recap:
In 2026 all eligible haredi men will be subject to the IDF draft, ending decades of exemptions. The enlistment rate amongst haredi men remains at less than 10% of the recruitment goal.
The Context:
In 1948, Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion allowed 400 yeshiva students to defer military service, framing Torah study as a cornerstone of Israel’s spiritual resilience. Today, the number of draft exemptions is estimated at almost 70,000. Ultra-Orthodox communities make up 13% of the population and are projected to reach 16% by 2030.
In 2017, the High Court struck down laws permitting draft exemptions, citing a violation of the principle of equality but the government’s failure to enforce conscription for ultra-Orthodox men has prompted legal challenges and public outcry. Ex-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has called for universal service, stating, "no segment of society can be exempt from the responsibility to defend the nation."
The October 7th 2023 attack by Hamas, which killed 1,200 Israelis and resulted in over 250 hostages held in Gaza, has added a new dimension to the debate. The IDF’s mobilization of 287,000 reservists has placed an incredible strain on both the military and the economy, highlighting the need to “share the burden" of national defense. 84.5% of Israelis believe that the country’s fastest-growing demographic cannot remain exempt from service while the rest of society bears the burden of defending the nation. That percentage rose from 67% in January of last year.
Ultra-Orthodox leaders argue that drafting their youth risks their religious lifestyle and Torah study, which they consider essential for the state’s spiritual identity. Ultra-Orthodox soldiers have faced logistical hurdles, such as accommodating dietary restrictions and today the IDF only has the capacity to absorb 5,700 haredim. Shas and United Torah Judaism, two key coalition partners, have threatened to bring down the government if draft reforms are enacted, leaving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with little room to maneuver.
Conversation Points:
Should the 1948 exemptions still serve as a valid precedent in modern Israel?
How has the October 7th attack reshaped public opinion on the draft?
How realistic is it for Israel to accommodate new ultra-Orthodox recruits if their current capacities are so low?
Notes:
State tells High Court all eligible haredi men can be drafted into IDF from 2026, Times of Israel, January 2025.
Israel enlists first ultra-Orthodox brigade, CNN, January 2025.
Only 338 Israeli haredim enlist, securing 7% of recruitment goal, JNS, December 2024.
Netanyahu’s coalition struggles with IDF draft reforms, Jerusalem Post, December 2024.
Defense Minister insists all must share the burden of service, Ynet News, February 2024.
Hamas attack strains IDF reserves, Jerusalem Post, October 2024.
IDI Releases New Survey Findings on Haredim; Convenes Haredi & Arab Leaders to Advanced Shared Society, The Israel Democracy Institute, December 2024.
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