Crisis Erupts in Israel as Ultra-Orthodox Conscription Bill Faces Backlash

Fri Dec 05 2025 06:10:48 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Israel grapples with a potential political crisis over a new bill aimed at drafting ultra-Orthodox men into military service, sparking massive protests and intense public debate.

A new bill in Israel seeking to draft ultra-Orthodox Jewish men has triggered significant unrest, including protests and confrontations in the streets. With shifting public opinion and opposition from within governmental ranks, Prime Minister Netanyahu's coalition faces escalating tensions as they navigate the complexities of military conscription amidst a changing demographic landscape.

An impending crisis over conscripting ultra-Orthodox Jews into the Israeli army is threatening to undermine Israel's government and split the country.

Public opinion on the issue has shifted dramatically in Israel after two years of war, and this is now perhaps the most explosive political risk facing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Lawmakers are currently considering a draft bill to end the exemption granted to ultra-Orthodox men enrolled in full-time religious study, established when the State of Israel was declared in 1948.

That exemption was ruled illegal by Israel's High Court of Justice almost 20 years ago. Temporary arrangements to continue it were formally ended by the court last year, forcing the government to begin drafting the community.

Some 24,000 draft notices were issued last year, but only around 1,200 ultra-Orthodox - or Haredi - draftees reported for duty, according to military testimony given to lawmakers.

Tensions are erupting onto the streets, with lawmakers now debating a new draft bill to force ultra-Orthodox men into military service alongside other Israeli Jews.

Two Haredi politicians were targeted this month by some extreme ultra-Orthodox protesters, who are furious with parliament's discussion of the proposed law.

And last week, a special Border Police unit had to rescue Military Police officers who were targeted by a large crowd of Haredi men as they tried to arrest a suspected draft-evader.

The push to conscript more ultra-Orthodox also triggered a vast protest by tens of thousands of Haredi men in Jerusalem last month - with the issue seen by many as part of a wider conflict around the identity of the Jewish state, and the place of religion within it.

Rabbi Tzemach Mazuz, head of a yeshiva in Bnei Brak, emphasized the importance of religious study in protecting Israeli soldiers, stating, By studying Torah, we protect the soldiers wherever they are. This is our army. He acknowledged the change in Israeli political climate but asserted the critical role of the Haredi community.

Polls suggest growing support for ultra-Orthodox conscription, with a substantial majority of non-Haredi Jews advocating for sanctions against those who refuse military orders.

This evolving situation not only poses significant challenges for Netanyahu’s coalition but raises questions about the future of religious and military obligations in Israeli society.