Support for Ultra-Orthodox Military Exemptions Declines as Public Pushes for Change

Support for ending the exemption from military service for ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) men has surged in Israel, according to a recent survey by the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI). The survey, conducted in November 2024, found that 84.5% of Israelis now favor drafting eligible Haredim into the military, either en masse or gradually, with economic penalties for those who do not comply. This marks a significant increase from January 2024, when 67% supported the policy shift.

The survey also revealed a stark decline in support for ultra-Orthodox exemptions, with only 9% of Israelis backing continued exemptions. Just 22% expressed support for the practice in January. The rising public discontent is largely driven by the Israeli Defense Forces’ (IDF) need for more manpower in light of ongoing military operations, including the longest and most complex war Israel has faced.

In response to the growing call for reform, Knesset discussions on ultra-Orthodox conscription have intensified. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently spoke with United Torah Judaism (UTJ) party leader Yitzhak Goldknopf, who is pushing for legislation to enshrine ultra-Orthodox exemptions. The pressure is mounting as Israel’s military grapples with manpower shortages, especially in reserve units. The military’s prolonged service demands have only amplified calls for greater participation from all sectors of Israeli society, including the ultra-Orthodox community.

United Torah Judaism MK Yitzhak Pindrus sparked controversy this week when he defended ultra-Orthodox exemptions from military service, citing concerns over the impact of military service on religious observance. Pindrus claimed that national religious soldiers, who do serve, suffer a “heavy price” by losing their religious lifestyle due to exposure to secular influences. His comments were met with backlash from other Knesset members, including Yesh Atid’s Meirav Cohen, who challenged his stance, asking, "What about the price those soldiers pay by leaving life?"

The debate has sparked tensions within Israel’s political landscape. While ultra-Orthodox parties argue for exemptions based on religious and cultural grounds, many secular and national religious groups are calling for reforms to share the military burden more equally. The recent comments from Pindrus highlight the divide between the ultra-Orthodox leadership and the rest of the nation, particularly as national religious soldiers face the heavy toll of prolonged service in the ongoing conflict.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu has vowed to fulfill his commitment to the ultra-Orthodox parties, with a promise to advance a conscription law that would address their demands. However, the political calculus is complicated, as failure to pass a budget by March 31, 2025, could trigger early elections, putting further pressure on the government to find a resolution to the military conscription issue.

The ongoing struggle over ultra-Orthodox conscription represents a broader societal debate in Israel over military service, national duty, and the balance between religious freedom and civic responsibility. As the public opinion shifts and pressure mounts on the government, it remains to be seen how Israel will navigate this complex and divisive issue.