Israel's Ultra-Orthodox Military Draft Controversy Threatens Netanyahu's Government

Protests have erupted in Israel as hundreds of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men, known as Haredim, clash with military police over mandatory conscription. These confrontations, often involving accusations against security forces, highlight one of the most profound divisions within Israeli society, particularly as the nation is engaged in ongoing conflicts.

The Haredi community, which currently constitutes about 14% of Israel's population and is growing rapidly, has historically been exempt from military service to allow for full-time religious study. This exemption, once a norm for a small minority, has become a major point of contention as the community's size increases and public funds are allocated to support their lifestyle, estimated at 35 billion shekels (£8.4 billion) annually. The exemption is seen by many Israelis as an unfair burden on those who do serve.

A Community Apart

For the ultra-Orthodox, the exemption is seen as vital for preserving their way of life and Jewish tradition. They believe military service would expose young men to secular influences, potentially drawing them away from religious study, which they view as crucial for the spiritual survival of both Israel and the Jewish people. Senior Haredi leaders have stated that only Torah study can protect Israel, especially in times of crisis.

However, this perspective is increasingly at odds with broader Israeli public opinion. Polls indicate surging support for conscripting the ultra-Orthodox, especially following the October 7th attacks. Many Israelis view the Haredi stance as a dereliction of civic duty and a drain on taxpayer resources, particularly as many soldiers are repeatedly called up for service. Political consultant Dahlia Scheindlin notes that the issue is a significant point of anger for right-wing communities, who are frustrated by the government's continued protection of the blanket exemption.

The Supreme Court has previously ruled that the exemption is invalid, a decision that led to widespread protests by the Haredi community and continued confrontations with security forces when individuals are pursued for draft evasion.

Electoral Ramifications

The dispute over military service is a central issue in the upcoming elections. The two main Haredi parties, United Torah Judaism (UTJ) and Shas, which represent Ashkenazi and Sephardi/Mizrahi Jews respectively, have been key components of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition. Their primary agenda prioritizes religious study and has often involved leveraging their political influence to block enforcement of military service laws.

Opposition figures, such as Gadi Eisenkot, have criticized the concept of a "state within a state" and advocate for an end to the exemption. The Haredi parties have, in turn, threatened to withdraw support from Netanyahu's government if concessions are made on this issue.

A UTJ parliamentary candidate's controversial comparison of draft-evading Haredi men to Jews persecuted during the Holocaust further inflamed tensions. Activists like Daniel Goldman suggest that the Haredi parties feel embattled and have hardened their positions, viewing the state's push for conscription as an attempt to secularize their community.

This stance is impacting Netanyahu's coalition, which relies on the Haredi parties for a parliamentary majority. Scheindlin suggests that the current polling numbers for the coalition, around 50-52 seats compared to 64 in 2022, are partly due to the inability to gain broader support on this issue. Challengers from the left and center-right are campaigning on promises to end the exemption and cut funding for institutions that refuse conscription.

Seeking Compromise

A new party, the Haredi Public Party, has emerged with a platform offering a compromise, proposing frameworks where Haredi men could serve while remaining within their cultural and religious identity. However, it is unclear if this effort will gain traction in the upcoming election.

Commentators like Anshel Pfeffer note that Netanyahu's coalition appears shaky, with the opposition capitalizing on public resentment towards the ultra-Orthodox. While Netanyahu has historically appeased the Haredi parties, the opposition is unlikely to seek their support without significant concessions on the draft issue. This leaves the ultra-Orthodox parties in a precarious position, potentially shifting from kingmakers to factors that could contribute to the downfall of the current government.

Meanwhile, far-right leader Itamar Ben-Gvir is reportedly making inroads with some Haredi voters, attracting those who feel disenfranchised by the traditional Haredi parties and are drawn to his assertive nationalistic stance. This fragmentation within the Haredi political landscape could further complicate coalition-building efforts.

The upcoming election is thus poised to be a critical juncture, with the future of the ultra-Orthodox exemption and its impact on Israeli politics hanging in the balance.