In Israel, military service debate spotlights ultra-Orthodox Jews and their growing clout

Live updates

1. 26d ago

   Israel's ultra-Orthodox Jews face growing pressure over military service

   Israel's government is under pressure to enforce military service among ultra-Orthodox Jews, with 83% of draft evaders belonging to this community. The issue has sparked controversy and debate, with the Attorney-General calling for arrests of draft evaders. The ultra-Orthodox community has significant political clout and has historically been exempt from military service.

   Why it matters

   The debate over military service for ultra-Orthodox Jews comes amid a backdrop of growing tensions between the community and the Israeli government. The ultra-Orthodox community has long been exempt from military service, but this exemption has been challenged in recent years. The issue has significant implications for the community's relationship with the state and the broader Israeli society.

   What is confirmed

   • 83% of Israeli draft evaders are from the ultra-Orthodox community
   • The ultra-Orthodox community has historically been exempt from military service
   • The Attorney-General has called for arrests of ultra-Orthodox draft evaders

   Still unconfirmed

   • The ultra-Orthodox community will not only join the IDF in large numbers but also influence it

   What to watch next

   • Enforcement of military service among ultra-Orthodox Jews
   • Government response to Attorney-General's calls for arrests
   • Impact on community's relationship with the state
   Sources used for this update (9)

   1. AP News — In Israel, military service debate spotlights ultra-Orthodox Jews and their growing clout
   2. The Times of Israel — AG says government must up enforcement against draft evaders, 83% of whom are Haredim
   3. Atlanta Jewish Times — Israeli Government Passes Controversial Legislation
   4. The Jewish Chronicle — The Orthodox will not only join the IDF in large numbers – they will influence it
   5. dailyrecordnews.com — Israel Ultra Orthodox
   6. haaretz.com — Report: Vast majority of Israeli draft dodgers are Haredi, but very few indicted
   7. Bluefield Daily Telegraph — APTOPIX Israel Ultra Orthodox
   8. The Dispatch — The Military Crisis Threatening to Unseat Benjamin Netanyahu
   9. The Jerusalem Post — Attorney-General calls for arrests of Haredi draft evaders amid weak enforcement
   confidence 85%