Full Breakdown
Haredi Parties Push for Military Draft Exemptions Amid Ongoing Conflict
3/5/2026, 10:00:42 PM
Legislative Push for Exemptions
Despite the ongoing war with Iran, ultra-Orthodox parties in Israel, specifically Shas and Degel HaTorah, are advocating for legislation that would exempt full-time yeshiva students from military service. The bill, currently being revised by Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee legal adviser Miri Frenkel Shor, aims to codify blanket exemptions while establishing modest conscription targets for Haredi men. This legislative effort is set to advance once the Knesset resumes normal operations after the emergency measures related to the conflict.
Criticism and Concerns
The proposed legislation has faced significant opposition from various sectors, including the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) leadership and the attorney general. Critics argue that the bill contains numerous loopholes, perpetuates inequality in military service obligations, and fails to address the IDF's reported manpower shortages. Frenkel Shor has expressed concerns that the bill violates the principle of equality and does not adequately meet security needs. She has also suggested reexamining clauses that would end sanctions on non-enlisting individuals at age 26 and has raised the issue of granting legal immunity to Haredim who have previously ignored call-up orders.
Key Points of Contention
A major point of contention involves Frenkel Shor's proposal to implement fingerprint readers in yeshivas to verify that students receiving deferrals are genuinely engaged in their studies. Haredi leaders have criticized this measure as degrading to Torah scholars, although Frenkel Shor noted that some yeshivas already utilize biometric identification. Additionally, disagreements persist over a clause allowing an advisory committee to adjust recruitment targets based on the availability of Haredi-oriented military tracks, as well as the duration of the proposed law, which Haredi lawmakers prefer to be permanent rather than temporary.
Legislative Dynamics
Despite the ongoing conflict, Haredi leaders, including Shas chairman Aryeh Deri, have urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to advance the legislation as it stands, despite Frenkel Shor's objections. This push is seen as potentially jeopardizing the bill's chances of passing judicial review, which is necessary for its enactment. A Haredi political source indicated that while some demands have been moderated, the oversight committee's recommendations would not be mandatory, and it would not be permitted to lower enlistment targets.
Official Responses
Spokespeople for Shas and Degel HaTorah did not provide comments when approached for their perspectives on the ongoing legislative efforts and the associated criticisms.
Conclusion
The push for military draft exemptions by Haredi parties continues amidst a backdrop of conflict, raising significant questions about equality, military readiness, and the future of conscription in Israel. As the Knesset prepares to resume its normal functions, the fate of this controversial legislation remains uncertain.
