Over 1,100 Ultra-Orthodox Men Targeted for Arrest and Sanctions as Israel Launches Conscription Enforcement Drive
Israel’s ongoing effort to include ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) men in military service has intensified, with the IDF taking unprecedented steps against those evading the draft. Approximately 3,000 conscription notices were issued recently, of which 1,126 recipients failed to respond to two consecutive orders. These individuals now face arrest warrants, potential travel bans, and other legal actions, marking a dramatic departure from traditional policies.
Defense Minister Israel Katz defended the measures, stating, “The IDF needs every capable individual to defend our nation.” The government has pledged to work with religious leaders to create conditions that respect Haredi practices, but resistance within the community remains fierce.
The controversy stems from the June Supreme Court ruling that deemed blanket exemptions for yeshiva students discriminatory. For decades, full-time Torah scholars had been excused from service under the “Torato Umanuto” principle. However, with the exemptions now void, the government is under pressure to implement equitable conscription.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, which includes ultra-Orthodox factions, is under strain as these enforcement efforts are seen as a “declaration of war” by some Haredi leaders. Rabbis have openly called on yeshiva students to defy draft orders, with one prominent figure declaring, “This is an existential threat to our way of life.”
The IDF’s plan to distribute an additional 7,000 conscription notices underscores the seriousness of the initiative, aimed at addressing manpower shortages amid ongoing regional tensions. Critics argue the measures risk alienating the Haredi population, while proponents claim they are essential for fairness and national security.
Israel has a large community of “Welfare Queens,” and it’s these lazy cowardly “students” led and protected by Jewish Mullahs who preach against civic virtue and maintain Netanyahu in power. Israel is not a theocracy, and these slackers give NOTHING to Israeli society but take-and-take handouts. It is criminal and also disgusting that they escape their fundamental duty as citizens to protect their country from enemies who would destroy it. As to whether they could perform a proper function under arms, perhaps they could lead every advance and clear the ground of anti-personnel mines.