What’s Happening

Likud Member of Knesset Tally Gotliv has openly suggested that the Israeli government reconsider its attempt to pass new legislation exempting a significant segment of the haredi community from mandatory service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Instead, she proposes utilizing the current law, which mandates haredi conscription like other Israelis.

Gotliv underscores that even with this legal directive, the IDF couldn’t conscript all eligible haredim simultaneously, suggesting that a staggered approach would naturally follow.

Why It Matters

Religion and national security intersect in this debate. The discussion around drafting ultra-Orthodox Israelis into the IDF remains contentious, often igniting tensions between various segments of Israeli society. MK Gotliv’s stance promotes unity through shared responsibility in national defense, reinforcing the IDF’s role as a cohesive societal institution.

An Experimental Approach

MK Michal Woldiger of the Religious Zionist Party proposed that any new legislation should be treated as a temporary law to allow time for evaluating its effects and success in integrating haredim into the army.

A Call for Duty

Rabbi Yirmi Stavitsky, who has a personal connection to the ongoing conflicts through his students’ sacrifices, passionately supports equal draft requirements, emphasizing that haredim should join military service as part of their societal duties. He points out the severe strain placed on reservists without wider participation.

Campaigns for Integration

Stavitsky argues for the normalization of haredi military service, advocating the removal of legal distinctions or personal exemptions specific to this group. He urges holding noncompliant individuals to account, stressing integration as crucial not only for equity but for operational sustainability of Israel’s defense apparatus.

This story was first published on jpost.com.