The issue of haredim (ultra-Orthodox Jews) in Israel not serving in the IDF has been a contentious topic for decades.
In the current status quo established in the early days of the State of Israel, haredi yeshiva students have an exemption from serving in the IDF or partaking in Sherut Leumi (national service). However, this has caused many others in Israel to feel there is an unfair distribution of the burden of serving the country. Coupled with the low employment rates for haredim in Israel, and this has led to widespread tension against ultra-Orthodox Israelis.
The courts have ruled that the current exemption for haredim not to serve in the army is illegal and efforts to resolve the issue are still ongoing.
Israel’s future depends on universal conscription, ensuring fairness and shared responsibility for all citizens during wartime.
The IDF will fall short of its 2024 goal of 4,800 Haredi recruits, with only about 2,800 expected. Challenges include outdated data, identification issues, and limited enforcement.
“We all enlist, we all fight, and we all sacrifice for the country and a better future,” IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir declared.
Zamir's position is that the IDF cannot allow Palestinian civilians to starve, cannot be directly involved in distributing food aid, and cannot allow Hamas to control the food aid.
Video footage seen by The Jerusalem Post shows protesters sitting on the road and blocking vehicles, before being forcefully cleared by police officers.
History suggests that when segments of society are perceived as avoiding shared sacrifice during existential threats, the resulting social tensions can persist for generations.
Additionally, the IDF is demanding legislative changes that would lighten the load on reservists.
In order to live where we live, and to continue to do so in relative safety, the army needs more men – as it has told the government repeatedly over the past year.
The announcement was made as an attempt to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to advance with a new bill to regulate haredi IDF service.
Katz denied the proposal to extend service by four months, opting to keep the current term of one year and five months.
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