Parties' Plans for Haredi Employment Analyzed for Feasibility
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
An analysis by Israeli think tanks reveals that political parties' plans to integrate Haredim and Arab women into the workforce vary significantly in feasibility and impact. The absence of Haredim from the workforce costs the Israeli economy an estimated NIS 3,500 per worker annually. Parties like Yisrael, Bayit Yehudi, Yisrael Beiteinu, the Democratic party, and the Joint List presented proposals, while Likud, Shas, and Otzma Yehudit offered little or no concrete plans. Experts evaluated these proposals, highlighting both potential benefits and significant shortcomings.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Haredi non-participation in the workforce costs Israelis an estimated NIS 3,500 annually in a "silent tax."
- The Israel Democracy Institute estimates the state could gain NIS 9.5 billion in 2025 from increased Haredi employment.
- Yisrael party proposes conditioning benefits on military service or employment, with expert reservations.
- Likud and Shas offered no specific plans, with past policies criticized for hindering employment.
- Bayit Yehudi, Yisrael Beiteinu, Democratic, and Joint List parties presented varied proposals for Haredi and Arab women's employment.
- Experts found many plans lacked concrete targets, budgets, or addressed root causes of low employment.
The absence of Haredim from the workforce imposes a "silent tax" of approximately NIS 3,500 annually on the average Israeli worker, according to the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI). The IDI estimates that if Haredim participated in the workforce at rates similar to non-Haredi Jews, the state would gain about NIS 9.5 billion in direct tax revenue in 2025 alone. The article examines the proposals of various political parties to increase employment among Haredim and Arab women, with input from experts at the IDI, the Berl Katznelson Foundation, Arlozorov Forum, and Kohelet Forum.
The Yisrael party proposes conditioning state incentives, tax breaks, and benefits on military service or employment, alongside vocational training and education. Experts noted this could increase service and employment but might not incentivize work without focusing on earning potential and basic studies. The Likud party did not respond, but its past actions, including increased yeshiva funding and support for draft exemptions, were criticized by experts as counterproductive to employment.
The "Bayit Yehudi" (United) party suggests linking benefits to an "earning potential" test and canceling stipends for yeshiva students, while expanding vocational training with employers. Experts found this approach identifies key barriers but noted the target of "over 100,000 recipients" is not equivalent to 100,000 new workers. Yisrael Beiteinu plans to expand vocational training and condition benefits on military or civil service, a move experts cautioned might create distortions in sectors receiving zero-cost labor.
The Democratic party proposes ending funding for sectarian and private educational networks, expanding state-funded Haredi education, and enforcing conscription, while ensuring public funds do not reward evasion. For Arab women, they focus on subsidized childcare and public transportation. Experts praised the focus on education but noted the reliance on conscription as a condition for benefits misses the mark for incentivizing work.
Shas did not respond, but its past actions, including maintaining yeshiva funding and draft exemptions, were criticized for incentivizing non-employment. The Joint List advocates for core curriculum studies in all Haredi education and increased employment for Arab women through childcare, transportation, and public sector jobs. Experts found these proposals data-driven but lacking numerical targets and timelines.
Otzma Yehudit and the Religious Zionism party did not provide detailed plans for integrating Haredim and Arab women into the workforce. The Religious Zionism party's plan focuses on vocational and academic training for Haredim but omits Arab women and conditions for benefits.
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