Half of Israelis Support Tougher Sanctions to Boost Haredi Military Conscription

A new survey by the Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI) reveals that nearly half of Israelis back increasing pressure and sanctions to advance the conscription of Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) youth into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The July 2026 social index shows that 46% of the general public and 50% of Jewish respondents believe there is a chance to draft Haredi young men and support applying additional pressure. Conversely, 31% prefer promoting enlistment through agreements with Haredi leadership, while 11% think drafting Haredim is impossible and efforts should cease.

The survey highlights significant political divides on how to approach the issue. Among center and left voters, 73% and 79% respectively favor sanctions, whereas 59% of right-wing voters prefer negotiation with Haredi leaders. Party affiliation also influences opinions: 75% of Likud supporters back agreements, while 84% of Yisrael Beiteinu voters support harsher sanctions. Within the Haredi community, 45% believe recruitment can be achieved through agreements, 36% see no chance, and only 15% support sanctions.

Regarding protests by Haredim against draft evasion arrests, 39% of Israelis, including 53% of secular respondents, view the demonstrations as unjustified and believe they should be stopped. However, 32% argue that if roadblocks were allowed during protests against judicial reforms, similar allowances should be made for Haredi protests. This view is especially common among right-wing and Likud voters.

JPPI President Prof. Yedidia Stern commented that the debate over Haredi conscription is primarily shaped by political affiliation. He noted that the right wing aims to maintain political alliances with Haredi parties and opposes sanctions, while the center and left support them. Stern concluded that when political considerations dominate over substantive issues, a resolution appears more distant than ever.