Story perspectives

Netanyahu Faces Backlash Over Haredi Military Exemption Bill

12/3/2025

Summary

Story summary

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for advancing a bill that would exempt Haredim from military service.
The Israel Defense Forces faces a shortage of 20,000 soldiers, and Bennett urged drafting Haredi men.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid echoed Bennett's concerns, accusing Netanyahu of avoiding accountability and saying the bill benefits draft evaders.
Within Netanyahu's Likud party, several lawmakers expressed doubts about the bill's effectiveness amid ongoing recruitment needs.

History

Historical Context

Since Israel's founding in 1948, Haredi Jews have been exempt from military service under the Torato Umanuto arrangement, established by Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion. In 2014, the Supreme Court ruled this exemption unconstitutional, leading to legislative efforts to integrate Haredi men into the IDF. As of June 2024, the court mandated their conscription, highlighting ongoing societal tensions over military obligations and religious practices.

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Story summary

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for advancing a bill that would exempt Haredim from military service.
The Israel Defense Forces faces a shortage of 20,000 soldiers, and Bennett urged drafting Haredi men.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid echoed Bennett's concerns, accusing Netanyahu of avoiding accountability and saying the bill benefits draft evaders.
Within Netanyahu's Likud party, several lawmakers expressed doubts about the bill's effectiveness amid ongoing recruitment needs.

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