Haredi refusal to fight ‘a moral stain’ and political tinder box

Since the start of the war with Hamas, a mere 540 have enlisted to help the war effort. On the other hand, 66,000 young haredi men have received an exemption from military service during the past year, a member of the IDF's Personnel Directorate told a Knesset Committee last month.

The ruling exempting haredim from military service expired last June and no decision had been arrived at despite the brutal conflict in Gaza which followed the events of October 7.

This week Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and leaders of the haredi parties failed to come up with a new compromise ahead of a deadline imposed by the Supreme Court. Some commentators believe this may be the crisis that pushes Israel to an election, or at least ensures haredi parties do not join a future coalition.

Israeli Ministry of Defence has proposed that reservists should now be called up until the age of 45, instead of 40. Reserve officers will be called up until 50, instead of up to 45. The number of days that reservists will be required to serve will be double the figure before October 7. Those involved in combat service will see their service extended from two years to three. The Ministry made no mention regarding the conscription of haredim.

A subsequent appeal by the Movement for Quality Government and other organisations and individuals to the High Court of Justice persuaded the judges to issue a conditional order, requiring the state to clarify its reasons for not conscripting haredim into the armed forces in a time of war.