No Exceptions

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Israel’s defense ministry began issuing draft notices to ultra-Orthodox Jews over the weekend, a move aimed at reversing the long-standing exemptions that have sparked national debate while easing the burden on the military fighting in Gaza and Lebanon, the Times of Israel reported.

Defense Minister Israel Katz upheld the decision that was first initiated by his predecessor, Yoav Gallant.

The move marks the first significant conscription effort targeting ultra-Orthodox individuals since a June high court ruling invalidated the exemptions for the community – also known as the Haredim.

The court said there was no legal framework for Haredi yeshiva students to avoid the military service that is required of most other Israelis.

Observers noted that Katz’s approval reflects rising pressure to distribute the military burden more evenly as Israel’s wars stretch its resources. The military has said it needs 10,000 more soldiers.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) sent 1,000 of 7,000 planned draft notices, beginning the screening process for new recruits. The military announced the move would include support to help recruits maintain their religious lifestyle during service.

While opposition leaders and politicians welcomed the decision, ultra-Orthodox figures fiercely condemned the orders, maintaining their decades-long resistance to conscription.

Ultra-Orthodox Jews – who make up about 12 percent of Israel’s population – have historically supported Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had promised to preserve their exemptions.

Now, analysts say the decision to draft Haredim could destabilize Netanyahu’s coalition, which relies heavily on the ultra-Orthodox.

“(Netanyahu’s) Likud (party) has decided to declare war on the ultra-Orthodox,” a senior official of the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism said.