The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) is looking to fill its manpower shortages by drafting members of the country’s ultra-Orthodox Haredi community.
The IDF announced that it will begin sending initial draft notices to members of the Haredi community starting on Sunday. The Haredim, who have been exempt from military service since the founding of Israel, were ruled eligible for service by a court decision last month.
These draft notices are the initial step in a screening process for potential recruits next year, the IDF stated in a statement on Tuesday.
“The IDF strives to recruit from all segments of society,” the statement explained, adding that the ultra-Orthodox were being called to serve “in response to heightened operational requirements at this time, [and] in light of the security challenges” facing the nation.
Israel is home to over a million Haredim. Known for their men’s distinct black attire and the head coverings worn by their women, the Haredim are religious fundamentalists who aim to minimize their interaction with Israel’s more secular Jewish majority.
Military service is mandatory for most Israeli citizens, with both men and women required to serve between 24 and 32 months in the IDF, typically starting at age 18. However, a 1948 agreement between Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, and Haredi leaders exempted members of this community from compulsory service if they were enrolled in religious schools, or Yeshivas.
Enrolling in Yeshivas became a way for Haredim to avoid military service. They argue that military life would disrupt their Torah studies, interfere with their lengthy prayer times, and expose them to members of the opposite sex. Additionally, some Haredim oppose Zionism and claim that the state of Israel will remain illegitimate until the arrival of the messiah.
This exemption has caused tension between Orthodox and secular Jews, with the latter expressing anger that they must bear the burden of military service while also funding the Yeshivas with their taxes.
The 1948 agreement was extended several times before expiring last year. While it was set to be renewed, the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war exposed personnel shortages in the Israeli military, prompting the country’s supreme court to reconsider the 76-year-old status quo. In late June, the court ruled that the agreement was illegal, and earlier this month, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced plans to begin drafting eligible members of the Haredim.
According to the court, there are currently 63,000 draft-age Haredi males. Gallant stated last month that the IDF urgently needs 10,000 additional recruits.