Senior Researcher Urges Israel to End Stalemate Over Ultra-Orthodox Military Conscription
Dr. Eliezer Hayun, a senior researcher at the Jerusalem Institute for Policy Research, calls for a fundamental shift in Israel's approach to the ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) military conscription debate. Addressing both Haredi and secular Israelis, he argues that punitive measures such as cutting voting rights, withholding basic budgets, or threatening imprisonment will not persuade Haredi youth to enlist in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). He emphasizes that the Israeli Supreme Court (High Court of Justice) would never allow such extreme sanctions, as they would disproportionately harm other minority groups, including Arab Israelis.
Hayun highlights the deep-rooted Haredi worldview that secularization is worse than death, which is ingrained from childhood and reinforced by community leaders. He dismisses claims that young yeshiva students are abandoning their religious studies or that budget cuts would force families to pull their children from yeshivas. Instead, he warns that harsher enforcement could provoke massive civil unrest, including widespread protests and disruptions far exceeding recent vehicle strikes.
On the other side, Hayun stresses that Israeli society cannot continue peacefully while tens of thousands of Haredi youth avoid military service, especially as their peers serve and sacrifice. He criticizes Haredi politicians for failing to publicly acknowledge the principle that "whoever does not study must serve," particularly for those who enjoy secular lifestyles. He calls for an end to the current stalemate characterized by refusal without constructive proposals.
As a potential path forward, Hayun suggests a closed-door summit involving senior Haredi rabbis, Supreme Court justices, and representatives from all political parties. He envisions a locked-room negotiation until a consensus is reached, even if it requires painful compromises over weeks or months. Without such a breakthrough, he warns that the deadlock will persist, and the social fabric will continue to fray.
Dr. Hayun’s analysis underscores the complexity of integrating the Haredi community into national service frameworks and the urgent need for a pragmatic, inclusive solution that respects Israel’s diverse society and legal system.
