Tensions Over Ultra-Orthodox Military Service Threaten to Topple Netanyahu’s Government
Tensions over the mandatory military service of ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) Jewish men have escalated in Israel, leading to widespread protests, a fatal incident, and a potential collapse of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's governing coalition.
Key Developments
Violent Protests Erupt
A large protest on Monday in central Israel involved tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox demonstrators. Protesters blocked major intersections and roads, disrupted train services, and set cars on fire.
Police used water cannons and horses to control crowds, and one soldier was attacked by protesters after leaving a bus.
Fatal Incident in Jerusalem
On Tuesday, during a protest in Jerusalem, an 18-year-old male protester was fatally injured after being struck by a bus. Police have detained the bus driver for investigation. Video footage shows a bus moving into a crowd of protesters. Police stated that the driver alleged he was assaulted by rioters after the bus was obstructed by demonstrators.
Political Crisis Looms
Politically, a faction within the ruling coalition has called for the dissolution of parliament. A vote on dissolution could occur next week. If the government falls, a new election could be scheduled for September, with an October 27 deadline for holding it.
Background and Legal Status
A Decades-Old Exemption
Military service is compulsory for most Jewish men and women in Israel. Since 1948, a de facto exemption has existed for ultra-Orthodox men dedicated to full-time religious study in yeshivas (seminaries). This exemption has been repeatedly extended despite a 2017 Supreme Court ruling declaring it illegal.
Temporary arrangements for the exemption were formally concluded by the court last year, prompting the government to initiate a process of conscription.
Draft Compliance Remains Low
In the past year, approximately 24,000 draft notices were issued, but military testimony indicates only about 1,200 ultra-Orthodox draftees reported for duty. A new draft bill aimed at mandating service is currently under discussion.
Political Implications
Coalition at a Breaking Point
Ultra-Orthodox political parties are a critical part of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s governing coalition. Maintaining their support is key to the government's stability. These parties oppose the conscription of religious students and have demanded the continuation of draft exemptions in exchange for their support. The issue has led to the collapse of Netanyahu’s governments on two previous occasions.
Previous Collapse and Current Fragility
A previous conscription bill was defeated in July, leading the United Torah Judaism party to withdraw from the government, leaving the coalition with 60 of 120 parliamentary seats. Ministers from the Shas party also resigned over the issue, though the party has not formally exited the coalition.
Netanyahu’s Stalled Promise
Prime Minister Netanyahu announced in October that a new draft bill aims to draft 10,000 yeshiva students within two years. Netanyahu has reportedly told ultra-Orthodox leaders he would not advance such legislation before elections.
Perspectives on the Dispute
The Ultra-Orthodox View
Many in the ultra-Orthodox community view mandatory service as a threat to their religious way of life.
Rabbi Tzemach Mazuz, head of the Kisse Rahamim yeshiva in Bnei Brak, stated that continuous prayer and religious study protect Israel's soldiers and are as crucial as military hardware. Protester Israel Tropper stated, "going into the Israeli army means giving up religion ... from our perspective it's a war for our lives."
A messaging system named "Black Alert" has been established to quickly mobilize protesters to prevent arrests of draft-evaders.
The Public and Legal View
Public opinion has shifted, particularly following recent conflicts.
A July survey by the Israel Democracy Institute found that 85% of non-Haredi Jews supported sanctions for individuals refusing a draft order. An off-duty soldier in Tel Aviv expressed, "It makes me feel there are people who live in this country without giving anything back."
Israel's High Court of Justice has ruled the historic exemption illegal.
Demographics and Impact
The ultra-Orthodox community makes up approximately 13-14% of Israel's total population and is its fastest-growing demographic. The number of exempted religious students grew from a few hundred in 1948 to approximately 60,000 men by the start of the Gaza war.
The military is facing personnel needs due to ongoing operations on multiple fronts, while the proportion of the population serving in the military is declining as the ultra-Orthodox population grows.