Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza is reigniting a decades-long national conflict over mandatory military service for the ultra-Orthodox Jewish population. As the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) face critical manpower shortages, pressure is mounting to end draft exemptions for the Haredi community—setting the stage for political and religious turmoil.
The “Torato Umanuto” exemption, in place since Israel’s founding in 1948, allows full-time yeshiva students to forgo military service. At that time, the Haredi population was small. Today, ultra-Orthodox Jews make up roughly 15% of Israel’s population, with projections estimating they will reach one-third by 2050. Despite these numbers, most still avoid national service, citing religious study obligations.
With over 60,000 reservists now deployed in the Gaza operation, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir is calling for change. “All parts of the nation must share the burden,” he declared, labeling universal service a national imperative. Netanyahu’s government is under increasing strain as Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and others demand legislative action.
Likud member Yuli Edelstein proposed a compromise: those truly dedicated to full-time Torah study could remain exempt, while all others would be required to serve. However, ultra-Orthodox parties—including United Torah Judaism and Shas—oppose any change. These factions have threatened to collapse the governing coalition if conscription is expanded to their constituents.
Israel’s High Court has previously ruled the current exemption system unconstitutional, arguing it violates principles of equality. Lawmakers have repeatedly failed to pass reforms, blocked by political deals and fear of backlash from religious communities. The Gaza war has reignited legal scrutiny and public pressure.
Critics argue that without Haredi participation, the IDF is stretched thin, and national unity erodes. Supporters of the exemption warn that conscripting ultra-Orthodox men will harm religious institutions and violate deeply held beliefs. Some military officials also voice concerns about how religious recruits would integrate into mixed-gender units or adapt to military culture.
With the war ongoing and political tensions rising, the future of Israel’s military draft system faces its most serious challenge in decades.
