Intensifying Conflict: Israel’s Gaza Offensive Fuels Debate on Ultra-Orthodox Military Service

As Israel ramps up its military efforts, mobilizing an additional 60,000 reservists for the offensive in Gaza City, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finds himself in a contentious battle over mandatory military service for the Ultra-Orthodox community. Tensions rise as the demands on reservists, many of whom have been separated from their families for months, grow increasingly profound.

During Israel’s 1948 War of Independence, Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion struck a notable agreement with the Ultra-Orthodox community: full-time Bible students would be exempt from military service. This arrangement, known as ‘Torato manuto’ or ‘his Torah is his occupation,’ initially covered only a handful of students.

Currently, the Ultra-Orthodox make up approximately 15% of Israel’s population of 10 million, and projections suggest that this number could swell to a third by 2050, driven by significantly higher birth rates.

As the Knesset adjourned for its summer recess at the end of July, Netanyahu’s coalition faced imminent collapse over the issue of conscription. This crisis appeared even more acute amid the escalating conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

Voices from Inside the Knesset

Yuli Edelstein, a Likud lawmaker, articulated the ideal compromise, suggesting that full-time Torah students could continue their studies, while those not engaged in religious learning would be required to enlist in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

‘The army needs them, Israel needs them, and we can manage it,’ Edelstein asserted. He emphasized that the lack of an acceptable oversight mechanism for the Haredi community complicates the situation further.

In July, Edelstein’s public criticism of Haredi lawmakers’ unwillingness to compromise led to his ousting as chair of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. This occurred shortly after Ultra-Orthodox parties United Torah Judaism and Shas withdrew from the governing coalition, frustrated by the failure to advance legislation exempting Haredi men from military conscription. Nonetheless, they refrained from endorsing opposition no-confidence motions that could threaten the government’s stability.

Imminent Decisions Awaiting the Knesset

The Knesset will reconvene for its winter session next month, which gives Netanyahu a narrow window to negotiate a viable solution.

Edelstein affirmed the necessity for any Haredi who joins the military to retain their religious identity. He further insisted that the army develop infrastructure to facilitate this arrangement, acknowledging the sensitivity of the issue.

‘The rabbis, for the moment, are not fully supportive of Haredi enlistment—though some are,’ he confessed. However, he pointed to ongoing efforts to engage religious leaders in discussions.

Calls for Draft Reform

Ido Keren, founder of ‘Katef Le Katef’ or ‘Shoulder to Shoulder,’ a group of young reservists advocating for universal conscription, voiced the urgency of reforming the draft. Keren argued that the current situation, where 64,000 eligible Haredim choose not to serve while active reservists continue their commitments, is untenable.

‘It is illogical for certain groups within Israeli society to serve and pay taxes, while others are exempt and receive benefits without contributing,’ Keren stated. He proposed that economic incentives, rather than punitive measures, could encourage Haredim to join the IDF and integrate into the workforce.

Historic Context and Legal Challenges

Former lawmaker Moshe Roth from the United Torah Judaism party emphasized that the roots of this ongoing debate stretch back to Israel’s formation. ‘It has long been understood that, as a people of the book, devoting time to Torah study is vital for our spiritual and national existence,’ he articulated.

Nearly two decades ago, Israel’s High Court ruled that the prevailing exemption policy violated principles of equality, leading to several unsuccessful legislative attempts to resolve the Haredi draft issue.

‘The matter has become highly politicized and utilized for electoral gain, complicating legislative progress,’ Roth explained. ‘Even when initiatives succeed, they often fall short under judicial scrutiny.’

Since the escalation of conflict following the events of October 7, this topic has gained even greater sensitivity.

The IDF’s Position on Haredi Drafting

According to Roth, the IDF has historically hesitated to draft members of the Haredi community due to cultural concerns. ‘The military’s progressive nature might deter the integration of yeshiva students, which could alter its internal dynamics,’ he cautioned.

During a recent tour of the Gaza Strip, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir reaffirmed the importance of enlistment from every sector of society.

‘Israel’s security rests on the collaboration of all citizens. This civic duty transcends individual responsibilities,’ Zamir declared, urging widespread enlistment.

Steps Towards Inclusion

In response to these pressing issues, the IDF has made notable strides to accommodate religious soldiers. Late last month, a new Hasmonean Brigade welcomed dozens of Ultra-Orthodox recruits. This initiative aims to allow Haredi men to serve as combat soldiers while adhering to strict religious practices.

Additionally, the IDF announced plans to issue over 50,000 draft orders to Haredi yeshiva students and affirmed its commitment to increasing enforcement against draft evasion.

‘We are in the process of changing a status quo that has endured for 77 years,’ Edelstein remarked. ‘This transformation is daunting but necessary for both military readiness and societal cohesion.’

‘The challenge is imperative; we must pursue this change for military reasons as well as social responsibility,’ he concluded.