Exempt from Service, Ultra-Orthodox Could Pay Lifelong Security Tax

Nimrod Dgani, a leader of the "Aleiynu" movement and former director of public administration in the Prime Minister's Office, has proposed a radical shift in Israel's military conscription model. Dgani, currently a reservist, argues that the concept of a "people's army" has become an illusion and suggests abandoning mandatory service in favor of a system driven by choice and economic incentives.

Under Dgani's proposal, individuals who opt out of military service, particularly ultra-Orthodox men, would be subject to a lifelong "security tax" of 500 shekels per month. He likens this payment to the biblical "half-shekel" offering, a contribution to the Temple that symbolized equal participation in a common cause.

Should voluntary enlistment fall short of needs, Dgani suggests a lottery system among eligible men. To attract volunteers, he advocates for significantly increased compensation, proposing that rear-echelon soldiers receive at least minimum wage, support unit soldiers 150% of minimum wage, and combat soldiers 200%.

Dgani emphasizes that while core values should remain the primary motivation for service, financial incentives would support a conscious choice by citizens. He believes expanding contract service and increasing standing army units will ultimately strengthen the reserve force and distribute the burden more broadly.