In a move that breaks a long-standing societal norm, Israel has announced the gradual conscription of 7,000 ultra-Orthodox Jews (Haredim) into military service, beginning this weekend.
The Defence Ministry revealed that conscription orders would be issued progressively starting Sunday, following military evaluations. Defence Minister Israel Katz is set to hold discussions with key stakeholders to strike a balance between integrating the Haredi community into the military while respecting their religious practices.
Katz stated that the army will ensure a supportive environment, enabling religious Jews to perform their duties without compromising their religious way of life, although specific details of the implementation remain unclear.
This decision comes after a landmark Supreme Court ruling in June, which mandated the inclusion of ultra-Orthodox Jews in the national draft alongside other Israeli citizens. The Haredi community, constituting 13% of Israel’s 9.9 million population, has traditionally opposed military service, prioritising Torah study as their contribution to safeguarding Jewish identity.
Compulsory military service for all Israelis over 18 has been a decades-long point of contention. Critics argue that the Haredi exemption undermines equality in national service.
The announcement comes amid escalating tensions in the region. Since October last year, over 43,700 people—most of them women and children—have been killed in Gaza due to Israel’s ongoing offensive. The conflict has also spilt over into Lebanon, with Israel conducting deadly airstrikes in response to cross-border clashes with Hezbollah.
