The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) sent out 1000 draft orders to ultra-Orthodox Jewish men on Sunday. The move was ordered by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to equalize an increasing shortage of personnel which has been exacerbated due to casualties since the start of the war in Gaza.
The move follows last month’s landmark judgment by Israel’s High Court of Justice, which found that the decade-long blanket exemption for ultra-Orthodox students should be ruled out. The ultra-orthodox parties of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government had unsuccessfully sought to cement the exception into law. As a government decision in 2023 prolonging the rule was deemed illegal by the high court, the differential treatment has no legal basis. Following the reasoning of the court, the Israeli government is now legally obliged to treat Israelis equally and begin to draft Haredi (ultra-orthodox) Jews.
The policy of exemption was fiercely debated in recent months amid the war, during which some 300,000 citizens were called up for reserve duty. Many felt unfairly burdened by the blanket exemption for Haredi students.
On the other hand, many ultra-orthodox groups strongly oppose the drafting, stating it is incompatible with their religious practices, for example since women and men serve side-by-side. Thousands participated in street protests which were partially dissolved by the police. Rabbis ordered the young men to burn the conscription letters. In response, the IDF plans to integrate the recruits following a detailed report that issues suggestions on how to incorporate them into the armed forces respecting their practices. This includes leaving them enough freedom to choose their position according to their wishes and preferences.
In the wake of Israel’s almost 10-month-long war in Gaza and a beginning expansion of the conflict onto other fronts, the Israeli army is seeing a shortage of 10,000 persons and is taking measures to increase drafts and prolong military service. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Netanyahu will speak to the US Congress, looking to boost military support by the United States.
