Ultra-Orthodox Draft Exemption Cap Proposed by Am Israel Party

The Am Israel party, led by Ofer Winter, has unveiled its proposed "Servicemembers Program," prioritizing combat soldiers and reservists. The plan, which the party intends to anchor in coalition agreements and the state budget, is built on three pillars: legislation and benefits, tailored IDF service frameworks, and Defense Ministry oversight of Torah study programs. Under the proposal, up to 25% of the ultra-Orthodox draft cohort could receive exemptions as Torah scholars, contingent on IDF needs. The party stated that the model aims to create a clear legal framework defining citizens' status relative to the state and a system of incentives based on contribution, operating on the principle of "give and you shall receive, don't give and you shall not receive." Every citizen of service age would be required to register for one of three tracks: IDF service, national-civilian service, or a recognized and supervised Torah study program.

Am Israel plans for legislation to be enacted before the next government is sworn in, refusing a general commitment to address the issue later. The Defense Minister and the Defense Ministry would be responsible for implementing the tracks, criteria, and oversight mechanisms, submitting semi-annual reports to the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. Winter has previously vowed that his party would refuse to join a government that does not pass a service law integrating the ultra-Orthodox into the military. He pledged to achieve this integration "without compromise or delay."

Meanwhile, the Likud party is reportedly running an aggressive, funded campaign across social media to prevent Am Israel from crossing the electoral threshold. A Likud official expressed uncertainty about Winter's stated intention to recommend Benjamin Netanyahu for Prime Minister, despite Winter's past declarations. The campaign reportedly focuses on Am Israel's Number 2, Yosef Haddad, circulating a five-year-old interview where he supported a two-state solution and the establishment of a Palestinian state, though Haddad claims his views evolved after Operation Guardian of the Walls. Sources indicate that Netanyahu's office made efforts, even before the party lists were finalized, to persuade Haddad to accept a reserved spot in Likud, but he refused.