Israel's Ultra-Orthodox Community and the Ongoing Battle Over Military Service

As Israel mobilizes additional reservists for its Gaza City offensive, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a significant challenge regarding mandatory military service for the ultra-Orthodox community. This debate is intensified by the strain on reservists who are being called away from their families for extended periods.

The exemption of ultra-Orthodox individuals from military service has historical roots. In 1948, Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion reached an agreement with the ultra-Orthodox community, allowing full-time Bible students to be exempt from the army. This arrangement, known as "Torato manuto," initially applied to a small number of students.

Today, the ultra-Orthodox community constitutes a substantial portion of Israel's population, and its share is projected to grow significantly in the coming decades. This demographic shift has brought the issue of military service for this community to the forefront.

The issue of conscription for the ultra-Orthodox community has caused political tension. The Prime Minister's coalition was on the verge of collapse over the issue. Some lawmakers believe that full-time Torah students should continue their studies, while those not engaged in religious learning should serve in the IDF. However, a lack of agreement on an oversight mechanism has complicated the situation.

The Knesset is set to reconvene, giving the Prime Minister a limited time to negotiate a solution. The goal is to allow ultra-Orthodox individuals to serve in the army while maintaining their religious practices.

There is a call for universal conscription, emphasizing both security needs and equality. Some argue that the current situation, where some groups serve and pay taxes while others do not, is unsustainable. The proposed solution involves enforcing a universal draft law with economic sanctions for those who refuse to serve.

The debate over ultra-Orthodox military service is rooted in Israel's founding. Some believe that a portion of the population should dedicate themselves to Torah study for the country's spiritual and national well-being. However, the existing arrangement has been challenged, and the Knesset has repeatedly failed to pass legislation addressing the issue.

The IDF has also been resistant to drafting ultra-Orthodox individuals due to cultural concerns. The military is making efforts to accommodate religious soldiers, including the establishment of specialized units and the issuance of draft orders to ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students. The goal is to address a situation that has existed for many years.