Israeli Parties Outline Draft Plans for Haredi Draft Exemption

As Israel approaches new elections, political parties are presenting their platforms regarding the controversial issue of military conscription for the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community. For decades, a broad exemption has allowed most Haredi men to avoid military service, a system that has faced increasing legal and public scrutiny. The Supreme Court's June 2024 ruling declared that without a legal framework for exemptions, the state cannot avoid drafting yeshiva students and must cease financial support for yeshivas that do not comply.

In response, parties are proposing various solutions. Yisrael Beiteinu and The Democrats advocate for mandatory national service for all citizens, regardless of religion, with the military determining placement. Yisrael Beiteinu proposes sanctions for draft dodgers including travel bans and denial of benefits, while The Democrats suggest ending incentives for non-service and redirecting public funding away from institutions encouraging evasion.

Yisrael (a new party) proposes a "National Service for All" law, mandating civilian service for those not serving in the IDF, and limiting draft deferrals for Torah scholars to 3% of each annual cohort, requiring even them to undergo basic training. They also propose severe civil and economic sanctions for draft dodgers, including loss of state contracts and benefits.

Otzma Yehudit, led by Itamar Ben-Gvir, highlights its existing programs integrating Haredi men into the police and Border Police, emphasizing accommodations for religious observance. Am Israel supports a "Serving Law" as a prerequisite for government coalition entry, prioritizing those who serve.

The Joint List and Ra'am oppose mandatory conscription for any group, with the Joint List advocating for an end to occupation and wars. Ra'am, despite past support for draft targets, refused to comment on Haredi conscription. The Haredi parties, United Torah Judaism and Shas, continue to oppose universal conscription, focusing on maintaining exemptions for Torah students, though Shas acknowledges the need for adaptation following the Supreme Court ruling.