The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) dispatched 1,000 draft orders to ultra-Orthodox Jewish men on Sunday, as part of an effort to address a growing personnel shortage that has been exacerbated by ongoing casualties in the Gaza conflict. This action, directed by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, aims to balance the military’s increasing need for manpower. The move follows a recent judgment by Israel’s High Court of Justice, effectively ending the decade-long exemption for ultra-Orthodox students.
This court ruling marked a pivotal change in Israeli law, forcing the government to draft Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) Jews, a policy that Prime Minister Netanyahu’s coalition partners had previously tried but failed to enshrine into law. The court deemed a 2023 government decision extending the exemption illegal, thereby necessitating equal treatment in conscription laws going forward. This decision comes at a time when nearly 300,000 citizens have been called up for reserve duty, highlighting tensions over the previously unbalanced obligations.
The policy change has generated intense debate and opposition among ultra-Orthodox communities, who argue that military service conflicts with their religious practices, particularly mixed-gender environments. Street protests, partially dispersed by police, featured protesters burning their conscription notices. To address these concerns, the IDF has announced plans to integrate the new recruits while respecting their religious practices, as detailed in a report issued by the IDF.
As Israel’s conflict in Gaza enters its tenth month and potentially expands to other fronts, the military faces a notable shortfall of 10,000 personnel. Measures to address this include increasing drafts and extending the duration of mandatory military service. Prime Minister Netanyahu is also scheduled to address the US Congress later this week, seeking enhanced military support from the United States.
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