Next Israeli Government Faces Crucial Challenge of Universal Military Conscription
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) urgently require more personnel as current soldiers are stretched thin and the election campaign intensifies. Four key principles are proposed as a test for political candidates: mandatory conscription for all, military placement based on IDF needs, benefits for servicemembers, and support for pre-military frameworks for the ultra-Orthodox community. The outgoing government enacted four laws that effectively encourage draft evasion, including the Bismuth exemption law, the daycare law, the Basic Law on Torah Study, and the draft dodger law. Despite public pressure and internal opposition, the government passed a Basic Law that undermines Torah study by using it as leverage against future exemption laws, weakening the exemption system but causing significant damage.
The draft dodger law, which grants amnesty to draft evaders, passed with a majority despite legal warnings and is likely to be struck down by the Supreme Court. These laws have left the IDF in a precarious position, with the most accessible recruitment pool being ultra-Orthodox youth, who have largely refrained from enlisting. Their leaders have repeatedly explained their reasons for avoiding service but have not offered constructive alternatives. The incoming government bears the Zionist, security, and ethical responsibility to urgently rectify this recruitment failure and provide the IDF with the manpower needed to meet multi-front security challenges.
Military conscription is a central issue in the ongoing election campaign, with all candidates pledging to strengthen the IDF ranks. However, the public demands concrete actions rather than promises. The article calls for candidates to commit to three fundamental agreements: universal conscription without exemptions for Torah study, IDF-led placement prioritizing combat and combat-support roles with accommodations for ultra-Orthodox lifestyles, and state benefits tied to military service and opposition to draft evasion. Additionally, the state should fund and encourage pre-military programs for ultra-Orthodox youth pursuing combat tracks.
The societal divide caused by unequal military service burdens is unsustainable. The demand for ultra-Orthodox enlistment is widespread and crosses political lines. The heavy toll of reserve duty on soldiers and the economy threatens the IDF’s operational readiness. The article concludes that the next government has a historic opportunity to integrate the ultra-Orthodox community into national service, securing Israel’s future security and resilience. The author is a leader of the Partnership for Service Forum.
