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Israeli Army Pushes for Drafting Ultra-Orthodox Jews
IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir condemned ultra-Orthodox protests against conscription, calling them extremist. The army will continue advocating for mandatory service.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continue to push for expanding conscription to include members of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities. Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir made a statement following mass protests earlier this week across several Israeli cities. Demonstrators opposed army conscription, blocked roads, and obstructed the movement of draftees to enlistment offices. One of the slogans heard at the protests was: “We will die before we enlist.”
Lieutenant General Zamir condemned the protesters’ actions as extremist and criticized their behavior. He stated that amid warfare on multiple fronts, Israel requires mandatory military service for all citizens, including students from religious institutions. He emphasized that the military would continue pursuing the integration of ultra-Orthodox Jews into the draft system.
The statement came ahead of Israel's Memorial Day, a time traditionally associated with national unity and remembrance of fallen soldiers. Zamir noted that such protests are especially painful during days commemorating sacrifices made for the country’s independence.
Historically, exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews were established in 1948 through an agreement between David Ben-Gurion and religious leaders. In exchange for not opposing the establishment of the Jewish state, yeshiva students were granted deferrals or exemptions from military service.
The debate over revising this agreement remains a contentious issue in Israeli politics and society. The military and government stress the need for more equitable distribution of defense obligations, especially during prolonged conflict and reserve mobilization.
The issue of drafting ultra-Orthodox Jews continues to stir internal tensions within Israeli society. The protests and military leadership's remarks underscore the persistent divide between religious tradition and national security demands.
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