Rabbi Yoel Ben-Nun Argues Halachic Duty for Haredim to Serve in IDF During War

Rabbi Yoel Ben-Nun asserts that during a "milchemet mitzvah" (obligatory war), there is no halachic basis to exempt Haredi Jews from IDF conscription when the military needs fighters. He claims the main reason for Haredi opposition is a deep fear of losing their community identity, not halachic grounds. Ben-Nun cites explicit Torah and Maimonides rulings that all Jews must fight in such wars, emphasizing that exemptions only apply when the IDF can manage without Haredi soldiers. However, with the current heavy burden on reservists and urgent need for manpower, exemptions should no longer apply according to Jewish law.

He explains that the Haredi community’s resistance stems from anxiety about the "Israeli identity" formed in the IDF, which historically led many to secularize or become less religious. This fear is particularly strong among Mizrahi Jews and influences political movements like Shas, which opposes conscription even for non-yeshiva students. Ben-Nun contrasts this with the IDF’s efforts to preserve Haredi identity through units like the "Hashmonaim" brigade and Haredi Hesder yeshivas, though many remain skeptical of these initiatives.

At the more extreme end, groups like the Jerusalem Faction reject the Israeli state and its institutions entirely, believing only those who avoid political and military involvement can maintain true Jewish identity and survive future conflicts. Ben-Nun counters by sharing his personal experience as a "Jewish-Israeli," whose faith and identity were strengthened by IDF service in multiple wars. He views the integration of Torah and Israeli identity as a divine plan fulfilled through the ingathering of exiles and the establishment of the State of Israel.

He calls on Haredim to overcome their fears and embrace full participation in Israeli society and the IDF, assuring them that their Jewish identity will remain intact and even deepen. According to Ben-Nun, this unity between "Israeliness" and "Judaism" is the will of God and essential for the future redemption under King David’s eternal reign.