IDF Clarifies Political Activity Rules for Hesder Yeshiva Students
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
The IDF's Elections Officer has clarified that Hesder Yeshiva students on unpaid leave must still abide by military restrictions on political activity. Colonel Vered Ben Yehuda's directive states these students are subject to the same rules as active soldiers regarding partisan engagement. While soldiers can attend political events out of uniform and join parties, active participation and campaigning are forbidden. The IDF also warned against illegal double voting in the upcoming elections.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- IDF Elections Officer Vered Ben Yehuda clarified Hesder Yeshiva students must follow political activity restrictions.
- Students on unpaid leave (Shal"at) are subject to the same rules as active soldiers.
- Soldiers are prohibited from expressing political opinions publicly or on social media.
- Attending political rallies as audience members is allowed if not in uniform.
- Active participation in political events and election campaigning is forbidden.
- Double voting in the upcoming elections is strictly prohibited by the IDF.
The IDF's Elections Officer has issued a directive clarifying that students from Hesder Yeshivas, even after completing their active military service, remain subject to restrictions on political activity ahead of the upcoming Knesset elections. The special directive, signed by IDF Elections Officer Colonel Vered Ben Yehuda, emphasizes that these students, who are in a period of unpaid leave (Shal"at) and have returned to their studies, must adhere to the same limitations on political engagement as active soldiers.
The IDF explained that while participation in the democratic process is important, military service necessitates certain restrictions on the political activities of service members. The directive states that the unique nature of military service requires these limitations, even though the right to vote is a cornerstone of democracy.
Specifically, the clarification addresses the status of Hesder Yeshiva students during their Shal"at period. Although they are no longer actively serving in military units, they are still considered soldiers in terms of their military status. Therefore, returning to yeshiva studies does not exempt them from army regulations concerning political matters. The letter stresses that their duties regarding discipline and conduct are equivalent to those of any soldier in active service, including rules on political and partisan activities.
The restrictions include prohibitions against any partisan or political activity on army bases or facilities, and soldiers are forbidden from publicly expressing opinions on partisan, political, or military issues. These limitations extend to social media, with the directive explicitly stating that the prohibition on expressing political or state-related opinions applies to online spaces as well. The IDF noted that these prohibitions are in effect year-round but are particularly important during election periods.
However, the directive also permits soldiers to be members of a political party and to attend party assemblies or rallies as audience members, provided they are not in uniform and the party is legally registered in Israel with objectives that do not undermine the state's existence or the value of military service. Active participation, such as speaking or fulfilling any role during such events, is prohibited, as is taking part in election campaigning. The directive also outlined voting procedures, allowing soldiers to vote at civilian or military polling stations, while strictly forbidding double voting as it violates equality and the law.
