After 21 months of war that has left reservist units operating at just 60-70% capacity, Israel’s military announced on Sunday it will issue 54,000 draft notices to ultra-Orthodox Yeshiva students.
The IDF has long been grappling with severe manpower shortages due to the prolonged fighting against Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the rest of Iran’s network of terror across the Middle East. According to official IDF figures, 883 soldiers have died and nearly 10,000 have been wounded since October 7, 2023.
As a result, the Knesset unanimously approved a law that extends the mandatory service of regular soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) over the next five years. The now 36-month mandatory conscription term applies to all soldiers, including those who have already begun their military service.
Last year the Supreme Court overturned a decades-old exemption for ultra-Orthodox students, a policy established when the community comprised a far smaller segment of the population than the 13% it represents today. However, resistance has been strong from the religious parties. Approximately 80,000 ultra-Orthodox men between ages 18 and 24 are eligible for military service but have not enlisted. Despite issuing 24,000 draft orders since last summer, only a few hundred have reported for duty.
During a visit yesterday to the Hashmonaim Brigade, Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir expressed his support and hailed the Haredi troops stationed in Gaza as “pioneers and trailblazers.”
“Your integration into the army is something you should be proud of, and your families and society should be proud of it as well. You are pioneers and trailblazers, leading the way, and I’m sure you will gain recognition,” Zamir said.
“I know some of you may be facing personal challenges, but I am confident, based on my experience, that perseverance is what matters in life,” he continued. “We are doing everything to enable you to combine the world of Torah and study with the world of military service. I want to say again, thank you, and I have great appreciation for what you are doing. Be proud of yourselves.”
Editor’s Note: Although to many it might seem strange why there is such strong opposition by Israel’s religious community to help the war effort in Gaza, it’s important to know their beliefs are rooted in safeguarding the nation’s Jewish identity from inappropriate secularization.
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