Israel forcibly drafts ultra-Orthodox seminary students
(MENAFN) Israel’s military plans to forcibly draft 54,000 ultra-Orthodox seminary students this month after the Supreme Court overturned their long-standing exemptions, the IDF announced on Sunday via Telegram.
Military service is compulsory for most Israeli citizens, requiring men and women to serve between 24 and 32 months, typically starting at age 18. While the country’s Arab minority—about 21% of the population—is generally exempt (with some volunteers), ultra-Orthodox Jewish seminary students have also been exempted for decades.
The IDF will send conscription notices throughout July, with enlistment staggered over the next year. The military also intends to intensify enforcement against draft dodgers and deserters across all communities, authorizing border police to establish checkpoints and make arrests for those evading service.
This move comes amid rising military demands due to ongoing conflicts with Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and increasing tensions with Iran. Many reservists have expressed exhaustion from extended deployments, adding pressure to expand the pool of conscripts.
Last June, Israel’s Supreme Court ruled that the exemption for ultra-Orthodox seminary students must end, prompting large protests in Jerusalem where demonstrators clashed with police, damaging property and targeting senior ultra-Orthodox officials.
Ultra-Orthodox political parties in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, especially United Torah Judaism (UTJ) and Shas, have threatened to withdraw support unless exemptions are reinstated by law. Their exit could topple Netanyahu’s slim parliamentary majority and trigger early elections.
Leaders in the ultra-Orthodox community argue that military service, particularly due to gender integration, threatens their religious way of life. In response, the IDF has promised to respect their traditions and create programs to ease integration.
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