Supreme Court Orders Haredi Conscription Amid Gaza Conflict
The Israeli Supreme Court has mandated the conscription of ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) Jews into the Israeli army, a decision that has intensified the ongoing debate between secularists and the Haredim. The court's unanimous decision from nine judges requires the government to begin recruiting students from religious institutes, reflecting the deep societal rift and political polarization within Israel.
Political and Social Repercussions
The Supreme Court's ruling has revealed significant divisions within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition, which relies heavily on Haredi parties such as Shas and United Torah Judaism. Analysts suggest that the court's decision, while leaving a loophole for limited recruitment, threatens the stability of Netanyahu's government. The court's ruling stipulates that religious school students are not exempt from compulsory conscription, aligning them with their secular and religious Zionist peers. This decision has led to calls for the government to withdraw funding from any yeshivas whose students evade military service.
The Military's Response and Legal Loopholes
In response to the Supreme Court's decision, the Israeli military announced plans to recruit approximately 3,000 Haredi Jews by the end of 2024. This move aligns with the court's loophole that allows the army to decide the extent of recruitment. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has instructed the military to proceed with the recruitment gradually and without coercion to avoid exacerbating the crisis within the army and the government. The Supreme Court's decision, while legally binding, has left the implementation details to the military, potentially leading to further legal challenges and petitions.
Broader Implications and Public Opinion
The issue of conscription has highlighted the broader societal debate over burden-sharing and equality in Israel. A February poll by the Israel Institute for Democracy found that a majority of Israeli respondents, including 70% of Israeli Jews, believe that the Haredi exemption from military service should be changed. The Supreme Court's decision underscores the ongoing struggle to balance religious study with national defense needs, particularly during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. As Netanyahu's government races to legislate a law exempting Haredi students from military service, the societal and political tensions surrounding this issue are likely to persist.
- The Supreme Court's decision marks a significant turning point in the long-standing debate over Haredi conscription. Historically, ultra-Orthodox Jews have been exempt from military service, viewing religious study as equally vital to Israel's defense. This exemption has been a point of contention, with secularists arguing for equal burden-sharing.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu's coalition, which includes Haredi parties, faces a delicate balancing act. The ruling has the potential to destabilize his government, as Haredi parties strongly oppose mandatory conscription. Netanyahu has been pushing for legislation to maintain the exemption, but the Supreme Court's ruling complicates these efforts.
- The Israeli military's plan to recruit Haredi Jews gradually aims to mitigate immediate backlash. However, the Supreme Court's decision leaves room for future legal challenges, as the extent of recruitment remains undefined. This ambiguity could lead to further court petitions, potentially reshaping the conscription landscape in Israel.
- Public opinion in Israel is increasingly in favor of changing the Haredi exemption. The Supreme Court's decision reflects this sentiment, emphasizing the need for a more equitable conscription policy. As the conflict in Gaza continues, the demand for soldiers intensifies, adding urgency to the conscription debate.
