In the heart of Jerusalem, a complex battle rages on that could potentially reshape the landscape of Israel. Yossi Levi, a member of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, stands at the center of this controversy. While the ultra-Orthodox have long been exempt from compulsory military service, recent protests have erupted as secular Israelis express frustration over shouldering the burden of combat in the ongoing war in Gaza.
Levi, a major in the infantry reserves of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), is a rare example of an ultra-Orthodox individual voluntarily serving in the military. He runs the Netzah Yehuda organization, which aims to encourage more ultra-Orthodox enlistment. Levi believes that there is a shift in attitudes within the community towards military service, especially in the wake of the ongoing conflict.
However, the exemption of the ultra-Orthodox from conscription has drawn criticism as the population of haredim continues to grow rapidly. The issue has reached a critical point, with the Supreme Court ordering the suspension of state subsidies for draft-age men in seminaries. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, which relies on ultra-Orthodox support, is facing increasing pressure to address the issue of military service.
While some government officials are considering options such as creating haredi border garrisons or assigning haredi soldiers to policing roles, the room for compromise remains narrow. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and other top officials are pushing for a comprehensive expansion of conscription, which is met with resistance from ultra-Orthodox political parties.
As the deadline for negotiations approaches, tensions are rising in Israel. Protests, both for and against compulsory military service for the ultra-Orthodox, have taken place in various parts of the country. With the IDF facing a shortage of troops and the conflict in Gaza showing no signs of abating, the issue of haredi conscription is becoming increasingly urgent.
The future of Israel hangs in the balance as the government grapples with how to address the issue of military service for the ultra-Orthodox community. The outcome of these negotiations could have far-reaching implications for the nation’s security and social cohesion.