Israel’s Gaza Offensive Intensifies Debate Over Ultra-Orthodox Military Exemptions
As Israel mobilizes an additional 60,000 reservists for its Gaza City offensive, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a political showdown over mandatory military service for the ultra-Orthodox community. The strain on reservists pulled from their families for months at a time has intensified the debate over exemptions for full-time Torah students, a contentious issue that has tested Netanyahu’s government and strained Israel’s unity.
The debate, rooted in an agreement from Israel’s 1948 War of Independence, allows ultra-Orthodox full-time Bible students to be exempt from the army. However, with the Haredi population now 15% of Israel’s 10 million people—projected to reach a third by 2050—the demand for military service has grown. During the summer recess, Netanyahu’s coalition teetered on collapse as the war against Hamas in Gaza intensified, with Likud lawmaker Yuli Edelstein advocating for a distinction between full-time students and others.
The disagreement has sparked internal fractures within Netanyahu’s coalition, with ultra-Orthodox parties United Torah Judaism and Shas withdrawing from the coalition in protest. However, they avoided joining no-confidence motions that could topple the government. The Knesset’s winter session next month offers Netanyahu a last chance to broker a deal. Meanwhile, the IDF chief of staff has warned of a critical shortage of soldiers, emphasizing the need for universal conscription to maintain national unity and security.