2024-11-12 18:23:00
According to Israeli media, Israel’s military wants to issue draft orders for ultra-Orthodox men again next Sunday. Several Israeli newspapers reported unanimously that around 7,000 devout believers will receive notices.
Former Defense Minister Joav Galant had approved the sending of the draft orders before his dismissal, the Times of Israel reported. The military therefore wants to send the notifications as planned. Israel Katz, as the new defense minister, did not cancel the measure.
According to the media, around 3,000 strictly religious men received draft notices in the summer. Accordingly, only a fraction of them subsequently appeared at military enlistment centers. The army wants to draft the ultra-Orthodox into military service after a selection process next year.
For decades, strictly religious men in Israel were exempt from military service. However, an exemption expired several months ago. The Israeli government failed to pass a law to cement relief for the ultra-Orthodox. The Supreme Court finally issued a ruling in the summer that ultra-Orthodox men should be drafted into military service.
The ultra-religious parties in the governing coalition are angry about this. Many ultra-Orthodox feel military service is a threat to their pious lifestyle, partly because women and men serve together. Many people in Israel feel it is unfair that ultra-Orthodox Jews have not had to serve in arms and have been exempt from dangerous combat missions.
In view of the wars against the Islamist Hamas in the Gaza Strip and Hezbollah in Lebanon, Israel’s military is warning of a shortage of soldiers capable of fighting.
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**Interview with Political Analyst Dr. Miriam Cohen on Israel’s Draft Orders for Ultra-Orthodox Men**
**Editor:** Dr. Cohen, thank you for joining us. The Israeli military plans to send draft orders to around 7,000 ultra-Orthodox men next Sunday, a significant move given the historical exemptions for this group. What are the potential implications of this decision for Israeli society?
**Dr. Cohen:** Thank you for having me. This decision marks a pivotal moment in Israel’s approach to military service. It highlights the tension between secular and ultra-Orthodox communities, as well as raises questions about equality in national service. There is a long-standing perception among many Israelis that the ultra-Orthodox have unfairly evaded military duty, and this may stir public debate on the principles of collective responsibility.
**Editor:** Given that previously only a fraction of those drafted appeared for service, how do you foresee the ultra-Orthodox community responding to this new round of draft orders?
**Dr. Cohen:** The response will likely be polarized. Many in the ultra-Orthodox community view military service as a direct threat to their religious lifestyle. The unification of men and women in the armed forces is particularly contentious. However, there are also segments of this community that may recognize the changing dynamics of Israeli society and the necessity for participation, especially in light of current security threats.
**Editor:** The ruling from the Supreme Court and the subsequent actions from the military seem to position this issue at the forefront of national debate. How do you think this will impact future legislation regarding military service exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox?
**Dr. Cohen:** This situation certainly puts pressure on the government to address the disparities in military service. As public opinion shifts and the necessity for a robust defense becomes more pronounced, we might see future legislation that balances the needs of defense with considerations for the religious convictions of the ultra-Orthodox community. This could lead to potential compromises or alternative service options, but the question remains—will the governing coalition reach a consensus?
**Editor:** Given the complexities of this issue, how should the Israeli public engage in this debate? What are the essential questions they should consider?
**Dr. Cohen:** The public needs to critically evaluate what military service means for all citizens of Israel. Is fairness in service essential for national unity, or should religious freedoms be prioritized? Moreover, how do we ensure that the needs of all communities are respected while addressing urgent security needs? I encourage readers to share their views—should ultra-Orthodox men be required to serve in the military, or do their religious convictions warrant exemption? This will undoubtedly spark important dialogue within Israeli society.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Cohen. This is certainly a topic that will continue to generate discussion as the situation unfolds.