National Service Program for Haredi Men Faces Closure
The possibility of enlisting Haredi men into national civilian service has been effectively blocked since the beginning of the month. This follows the expiration of the "conscription law" and a temporary order that allowed the enlistment of Haredi men obligated for military service, which was extended for the last time until August 31. In recent years, approximately 1,500 Haredi men served annually in national service for up to two years, receiving a salary comparable to rear-echelon soldiers. The 2014 law permitted the military to direct individuals not exempt from service to national civilian roles, a path some Haredi men utilized.
Since the conscription law's expiration in June 2023, this arrangement has been extended multiple times via temporary orders. Now, only Haredi men with a military exemption can join national service, but the military does not grant such exemptions, effectively closing this avenue. Data from the National Service Authority indicates that most Haredi men who served were married with children. In recent years, around 500 Haredi men joined annually, serving in sectors like healthcare, education, and welfare, with options for 20 hours weekly over three years or 30 hours weekly over two years. A security track was also available.
Previously, an arrangement allowed up to a thousand men deemed to have no combat potential or otherwise not required for service to enlist. However, this option is now also blocked due to the law's final expiration. While initially only 10% of Haredi participants were directed to security bodies, currently about 70% are integrated into the police, fire department, prison service, and Magen David Adom. Those suitable are also directed to technological roles in the Shin Bet and Mossad, offering significant service and career prospects.
The National Service Authority is the regulatory body, with the "Heverim" organization managing Haredi enlistment. Following the October 7th attacks, the IDF halted Haredi referrals to national service for eight months, during which negotiations occurred. A subsequent arrangement allowed up to a thousand men not needed for combat service to enlist, but this is now also blocked.
In contrast, national service sees around 20,000 men and women serving annually, with over a quarter from the Arab and Druze communities, totaling nearly 6,000 young people, 80% of whom are women. They serve in hospitals, health funds, police, fire departments, and Magen David Adom, as well as in education, welfare, and elder care. The National Service Authority, under Minister Orit Strock, recently appointed Adi Vels as its new CEO, replacing Reuven Pinsky. Sources within the authority hope for a supplementary law to the conscription bill that would reinstate national service, which has proven valuable in civilian front-line roles.
The number of Arab community volunteers has grown by 53% since 2018, reaching a peak of 5,923. The next government will need to legislate to renew the arrangement for Haredi men, while continued encouragement is needed for the growth trend in the Arab community. Both sectors have significant potential for increased service, and the authority is prepared to accommodate larger numbers gradually.
