Israel prepares to draft 54,000 ultra-Orthodox students into the military amid rising internal tensions and external threats
Israel is set to undertake a large-scale mobilization effort targeting ultra-Orthodox Jewish students, with over 54,000 notices to be issued to enlist them into the military. This decision comes amid mounting dissatisfaction among reservists, exhausted by prolonged and intense combat deployments happening simultaneously across multiple regions of the country. The announcement of conscription coincides with a court ruling last year that annulled exemptions for ultra-Orthodox seminary students, a practice that previously applied when their communities constituted a much smaller portion of the population. Currently, their share has increased to approximately 13%. Mandatory conscription for most Jewish citizens begins at age 18 and lasts from 24 to 32 months, after which individuals enter reserve duty. Arab citizens, making up about 21% of Israel’s population, are generally exempted from obligatory military service, though some choose to volunteer. The notices and call-up procedures emerged against the backdrop of negotiations within the coalition led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, involving ultra-Orthodox parties seeking a legislative compromise. This issue is particularly sensitive given Israel’s ongoing military engagements against Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Houthi rebels in Yemen, and threats from Iran. Ultra-Orthodox leaders express fears that military service, alongside secular soldiers and women, could threaten their religious identity. The Israeli Defense Forces have assured that conditions will be created to respect their religious lifestyle, and special integration programs are being developed to facilitate their enlistment. The first draft notices are expected to be sent out as early as July, marking a significant development in Israel’s internal political and military landscape. According to Reuters, Hamas has also expressed willingness to engage in dialogue regarding a ceasefire plan proposed by the United States in Gaza, potentially impacting the ongoing conflict.