The Unfolding Dilemma: Ultra-Orthodox Enlistment in Israel's Military

Mon Mar 17 2025 01:19:33 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)
The Unfolding Dilemma: Ultra-Orthodox Enlistment in Israel's Military

Israel's changing military draft policy now includes ultra-Orthodox Jews, who historically were exempt from service, igniting societal tensions.


This article explores the complex reactions among Israel's ultra-Orthodox community regarding their now-mandatory military service, following a pivotal Supreme Court ruling that dismantled longstanding exemptions.


Israel is facing a significant shift in military policy as ultra-Orthodox Jews, previously exempt from service since the founding of the state in 1948, are now being drafted into the Israel Defense Forces. This change has sparked various responses from the Haredi community, showcasing a dynamic of integration versus tradition.

Yechiel Wais, a new draftee, embraces the opportunity, seeing military service as a path to better integrate into broader Israeli society. In contrast, Chaim Krausz vehemently rejects the draft, fearing that military life will compromise his religious beliefs. Another draftee, Itamar Greenberg, opted for prison, preferring incarceration to violating his convictions by serving in combat.

Photographers Sergey Ponomarev and reporters Jack Nicas and Adam Sella documented the lives of these three men over six months, highlighting the changing landscape for the Haredim. Traditionally, ultra-Orthodox men were exempt from military duties in exchange for supporting the secular nature of the state. This arrangement endured until the recent Hamas-led attacks and subsequent warfare that escalated since October 7, 2023, forcing the military's hand.

Amidst rising frustration from a populace that views unequal burdens of service as increasingly unjust, the Israeli Supreme Court ruled that the ultra-Orthodox no longer qualify for exemptions, prompting a draft notice to 10,000 Haredi men. So far, only a small fraction, 338, have responded.

With the growing population of Haredim—now making up 14% of Israelis, projected to reach 50% of Israeli children in just four decades—Israel grapples with a crucial dilemma: how to incorporate its most rapidly expanding demographic into a mandatory military structure while managing escalating societal tensions.

MORE ON THEME

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 22:18:06 GMT

Netanyahu's Attempt to Oust Shin Bet Chief Sparks Controversy

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 22:18:06 GMT
Sun, 16 Mar 2025 10:05:27 GMT

# Escalating Conflict: Houthis Threaten U.S. After Deadly Airstrikes

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 10:05:27 GMT
Sun, 16 Mar 2025 00:56:02 GMT

**Tragic Loss of Humanitarian Workers Amid Strikes in Gaza: Al Khair Foundation Reports Casualties**

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 00:56:02 GMT
Sat, 15 Mar 2025 19:23:20 GMT

US Declares Hamas Negotiation Stalemate "Unfeasible" As Truce Efforts Falter

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 19:23:20 GMT
Sat, 15 Mar 2025 16:06:50 GMT

Tragedy Strikes as Aid Workers Killed in Gaza Airstrike Amid Tensions

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 16:06:50 GMT
Sat, 15 Mar 2025 16:04:02 GMT

### Ongoing Strife: Israel's Military Actions in Gaza Despite Truce

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 16:04:02 GMT
Sat, 15 Mar 2025 12:21:53 GMT

**Syrian Druse Pilgrimage Marks Shift in Israel-Syria Relations**

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 12:21:53 GMT
Sat, 15 Mar 2025 10:44:00 GMT

US Denies Hamas Requests as Gaza Ceasefire Talks Fail: The Path Forward Remains Unclear

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 10:44:00 GMT
Sat, 15 Mar 2025 09:33:19 GMT

**Gaza Crisis Deepens as Aid Blockade Resumes Amid Ramadan Shortages**

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 09:33:19 GMT
Sat, 15 Mar 2025 02:07:56 GMT

Tensions Escalate as US Expels South African Ambassador

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 02:07:56 GMT
Fri, 14 Mar 2025 12:31:23 GMT

Hamas Agrees to Potential Release of Hostages in Gaza Negotiations

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 12:31:23 GMT
Thu, 13 Mar 2025 17:23:08 GMT

U.N. Report Alleges Genocidal Actions by Israel in Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict**

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 17:23:08 GMT
Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:40:15 GMT

National Rally's Leadership Shift: Heading to Israel

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:40:15 GMT
Thu, 13 Mar 2025 13:18:43 GMT

Israel-Hamas Negotiations Stalled as Focus Shifts to Ukraine

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 13:18:43 GMT
Wed, 12 Mar 2025 21:21:27 GMT

**Iran Dismisses U.S. Nuclear Negotiations Amidst Diplomatic Tensions**

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 21:21:27 GMT
Wed, 12 Mar 2025 20:47:27 GMT

US Envoy Joins Crucial Talks to Extend Gaza Ceasefire Amid Food Shortages

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 20:47:27 GMT
Wed, 12 Mar 2025 15:20:26 GMT

US Bid for Extended Gaza Ceasefire Amid Food Crises and Regional Tensions

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 15:20:26 GMT
Wed, 12 Mar 2025 13:34:45 GMT

**Duterte’s Arrest: A Turning Point for Philippine Politics**

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 13:34:45 GMT
Wed, 12 Mar 2025 07:22:05 GMT

Legal Rights for Fetuses: A New Frontier in the Abortion Debate

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 07:22:05 GMT
Wed, 12 Mar 2025 00:52:24 GMT

**Palestinian Comedian Mo Amer Reflects on Triumphs and Struggles in Netflix Series**

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 00:52:24 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.