The Israeli High Court of Justice’s decision to annul the longstanding exemption of ultra-Orthodox Israelis from military service is not merely a legal ruling.
The Israeli High Court of Justice’s decision to annul the longstanding exemption of ultra-Orthodox Israelis from military service is not merely a legal ruling; it is a transformative moment in Israel’s history. For 76 years, since the founding of the state, this exemption has been a point of intense debate, symbolizing a broader struggle over the balance between religious freedom and civic duty.
The court’s verdict now sets Israel on a path toward a more equitable sharing of the national burden while asserting a clear message: No segment of society can sidestep military service based on religious grounds alone.
On the military front, the implications of the ruling are profound and come at a critical time. The government recently reversed on the duration of compulsory military service, restoring it to three years from the previously reduced term of two-and-a-half years. Reservists, who have borne a significant part of the military load since the monstrous Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas, are now being told to anticipate annual service of 30 to 40 days.
The burden of national defense, increasingly heavy, demands broad participation and the IDF is facing even greater challenges due to the ongoing conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah. Israel requires more boots on the ground to ensure the security of its citizens and the stability of its borders. The inclusion of the ultra-Orthodox, or Haredim, in the ranks of the IDF could significantly alleviate these personnel shortages, filling critical gaps in Israel’s defense strategy.
