Israeli Parties Divided on Ultra-Orthodox Draft Law Ahead of Elections

With Israeli elections approaching, the stance of various political parties on the conscription of ultra-Orthodox men into the military remains a contentious issue. While the principle of universal service has been a cornerstone of Israeli society since the state's inception, a compromise dating back to 1948 has allowed the vast majority of Haredi men to avoid military service through exemptions and deferments. This status quo was significantly challenged in June 2024 when the Supreme Court ruled that the state lacks the authority to exempt yeshiva students from conscription without a legislative basis, also halting state funding to yeshivas whose students evade service. This ruling effectively mandates that yeshiva students, like other citizens, are subject to conscription, with potential penalties for evasion.

In response to inquiries from Ynet, several parties have outlined their positions. Likud offered no comment on the matter. Gadi Eisenkot's party, YASHAR, proposes a "Service for All" law, mandating alternative civilian service for those unable to serve in the IDF, with a strict 3% cap on deferments for exceptional individuals, contingent on basic military training. They advocate for severe penalties for draft dodgers, including loss of civil and economic benefits and criminal prosecution. Naftali Bennett's party, BE-YAHAD, insists on universal conscription or alternative service for all citizens, including Arabs and Haredim, with no state funding for those who do not serve. Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu (NDI) calls for mandatory military or civilian service for all 18-year-olds, regardless of religion or ethnicity, with the IDF determining placement, and proposes sanctions like travel bans and benefit revocation for evaders.

Yair Golan's Democrats party supports universal service obligations, with alternative service for those not drafted, ensuring no detriment to women's roles in the army. They propose ending state incentives for draft evasion and withholding funding from institutions that promote it. Itamar Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit emphasizes their actions over rhetoric, advocating for equal burden sharing. Ofir Winter's Am Echad Yisrael supports Haredi integration and a draft law based on "fairness and honesty," making it a condition for their government entry. The United Arab List opposes mandatory conscription and sanctions, advocating for an end to the occupation instead. Ra'am, led by Mansour Abbas, opposes mandatory service for Arab youth and declined to comment on Haredi conscription. The "Reservists - Economic Party" led by Yoaz Hendel and Yaron Zelekha, proposes mandatory service or national tasks, with sanctions for refusal. Religious Zionism, led by Bezalel Smotrich, remains silent on Haredi sanctions but advocates for a Basic Law prioritizing service members for housing and education benefits, implying Haredi conscription as a means to expand the service pool. Shas acknowledges that draft evasion by yeshiva students who leave their studies will be unavoidable following the Supreme Court's sanctions, with a party representative stating the army will need to adapt. Yahadut HaTorah parties continue to oppose any draft of ultra-Orthodox youth.