Religious Zionist Reservists Vow to Make Draft Equality a Central Election Issue After Controversial Laws Pass

Following the passage of several laws perceived as undermining equal military service, including the Basic Law on Torah Study, legislation protecting ultra-Orthodox draft evaders, and extending regular service to 32 months, Religious Zionist reservist organizations are intensifying their fight for fair conscription. These groups, representing thousands of reservists from the Religious Zionist community, feel betrayed by their own political representatives, particularly those from Religious Zionist parties who supported these laws alongside ultra-Orthodox lawmakers.

Gilad Rand, a tank commander and high-tech engineer currently serving his sixth reserve tour in Gaza, expressed deep disappointment, stating the laws represent a betrayal of the community's values of Torah, labor, and integration into state life. Rand criticized Religious Zionist leaders such as Bezalel Smotrich for refusing to meet with the reservists and accused them of prioritizing political gains with ultra-Orthodox parties over their base. He described the situation as surpassing anger, entering a realm of betrayal.

The reservists have faced exclusion from legislative processes and disparaging remarks from some Religious Zionist Knesset members, including accusations of anti-Semitism. Sharon Brik Dashen, a reservist and mother active in the "Partnership for Service" forum, highlighted that these laws send a damaging message to the ultra-Orthodox community, undermining ongoing efforts to recruit them into the IDF. She emphasized that even if some laws are symbolic, their passage causes real harm by encouraging draft exemptions.

Both forums plan to shift their focus from legislative lobbying to electoral activism, aiming to hold politicians accountable in the upcoming elections. They intend to remind the Religious Zionist public which representatives supported these controversial laws and to demand commitments to meaningful ultra-Orthodox conscription. The groups view this as a historic opportunity to change the status quo and prevent continued disproportionate burden on their community members who have served extensively over the past three years.