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Military conscription remains a controversial topic in Israel, particularly when it comes to ultra-Orthodox communities. The latter, attached to their traditions and religious study, categorically reject the idea of an obligation of military service, provoking a recurring debate within Israeli society and the political class.
The roots of the conflict: a controversial historical exemption
Since the founding of the State of Israel in 1948, students in yeshivot (Talmudic schools) have benefited from an exemption from military service under an agreement with the Prime Minister at the time, David Ben-Gurion. This agreement was intended to protect a small number of students to continue Torah study after the Holocaust, but the proportion increased significantly. Today, the ultra-Orthodox make up about 13 percent of Israel’s population, and this mass exemption is sparking growing tensions, as reported Yated Neeman(December 16, 2024).
A divided society
On the one hand, defenders of this exemption assert that religious study constitutes a fundamental pillar of the preservation of Jewish identity and a form of “spiritual service” to the nation. On the other hand, a growing part of the Israeli population, particularly among the secular and the military, denounces an inequality of civic duties. Haderekh underlines that the army is perceived as a crucible of Israeli society, and this division reinforces community fractures (Haderekh, December 16, 2024).
Contested legislative initiatives
In recent years, several attempts have been made to impose partial or alternative conscription, but all have failed in the face of strong opposition from religious parties, as reported Shaharit. In 2024, the current government, supported by ultra-Orthodox parties such as Shas and United Torah Judaism, proposed a legislative amendment to institutionalize the exemption in the long term. This project triggered massive demonstrations, bringing together secular citizens and veterans, who denounce unacceptable discrimination (Shaharit, December 16, 2024).
The role of religious leaders
The Yated Neeman cites recent statements by Rabbi Arieh Deri, leader of the Shas party, who stressed that “military service should not compromise the spiritual values of ultra-Orthodox youth.” He also warned against attempts at coercion that could “destroy trust between the state and its religious citizens.” However, moderate figures within the ultra-Orthodox community are calling for exploring models of civilian service, outside of the military, that would contribute to national well-being without calling into question religious values.
An army in search of solutions
The Israeli army, although seeking conscripts, is aware of the logistical and cultural challenges of forced integration of the ultra-Orthodox. Ashvasser reports that the IDF is exploring specific battalion models for clerics, such as Netzah Yehuda units, which allow for a framework tailored to strict religious norms. However, these efforts are limited due to the low number of ultraorthodox volunteers and the reluctance of their communities (Hamvaser, December 16, 2024).
A demographic and economic issue
With a rapidly growing ultra-Orthodox population, the issues are not limited to conscription. According to Merkaz Ha’inyanimthe question of the economic integration of this community is just as crucial. A low labor force participation rate among ultra-Orthodox men, often absorbed in religious study, weighs on the national economy. Conscription reform is therefore seen by some as an opportunity to encourage increased participation in the labor market (Merkaz Ha’inyanim, December 16, 2024).
Towards a compromise?
Negotiations remain open, but the prospect of a compromise seems remote. Ultra-Orthodox leaders remain firmly opposed to any obligation to serve, while the government, supported by religious parties, is reluctant to force the hand of an electorally influential community. Meanwhile, Israeli society continues to debate a topic that goes to the heart of questions of identity, equity and national cohesion.
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