Draftee Uprising: Haredi Community Turns the Tables on IDF Conscription in Israel
Protesters confront Israeli security forces in disputes over the conscription of a fresh Ultra-Orthodox military unit.
Let's dive into the chaos that unfolded yesterday, as Haredi protesters caused quite the stir outside two Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) enlistment centers. They were vehemently opposing the drafting of ultra-Orthodox men into the Hasmonean Brigade, stirring up a mess.
According to The Times of Israel, a major gathering took place outside the Jerusalem recruitment office in Romema, with a separate group demonstrating at the Tel Hashomer base near Tel Aviv. The purpose of the demonstrations? To disrupt the conscription of roughly 70 new recruits and 110 older enlistees for the Hasmonean Brigade's reserve unit.
When the recruits arrived at Tel Hashomer, protesters weren't exactly gracious. They loudly voiced their displeasure, forcing security forces to intervene and escort the recruits through the crowd. In response, Border Police clashed with several protesters and resorted to shoving, dragging, and even kicking those attempting to breach security lines. These actions paralyzed parts of central Jerusalem and caused significant traffic issues.
Israel Army's Long-Awaited Draft Extension
Understandably, this isn't the first time Haredi men have been resistant to the draft. For decades, they've cleverly dodged conscription. At 18, they received repeated deferrals tied to yeshiva enrollment, with the exemption age being 26. But now, there seems to be a shift in the winds of power.
Recent opposition claims that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing for a new law that would restore Haredi exemptions to maintain the loyalty of coalition partners Shas and United Torah Judaism. This potential move could risk government collapse.
The Death Toll Rises in Gaza
The draft-dodging comes at a crucial time, as Israel has been relentless in its assault on Gaza since October 2023. The casualties have been horrific – over 52,200 Palestinians have been killed, with most being women and children.
The International Criminal Court has taken notice. In November, warrants were issued for the arrest of Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant. Both have been accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice due to their ongoing war on the enclave.
Haredim Choose God Over Country
The Haredi community, making up 13% of Israel's population, has been resisting conscription since a Supreme Court ruling on June 25, 2024. They believe that their primary duty is studying the Torah and that integration into secular society poses a threat to their religious identity. Chants of "Zionists are not Jews" and "We would rather die than enlist" could be heard during the protests.
Report: Majority of Israel's Haredim Are Shunning Armed Service
The enrichment data tells us that the Haredi community opposes military service for several reasons. They fear secularization, the suspension of religious exemptions, and the loss of their cultural and religious autonomy. Conscription has further perpetuated political tensions, social unrest, and even economic sanctions within Israel.
Despite the IDF's efforts to meet recruitment goals, the Haredi enlistment rate remains abysmally low. With the anticipated new IDF draft law approaching, which may include personal sanctions for draft dodgers, tensions are running high, leading to ongoing protests and political boycotts by Haredi parties. As a result, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might call for early elections, potentially altering the political landscape of Israel.
- The Haredi protesters firmly opposed the conscription of their community members into the Hasmonean Brigade, causing a commotion outside Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) enlistment centers.
- The demonstrations took place at the Jerusalem recruitment office in Romema and the Tel Hashomer base near Tel Aviv, aiming to disrupt the conscription of 70 new recruits and 110 older enlistees.
- Border Police clashed with some protesters at Tel Hashomer, resulting in shoving, dragging, and kicking, causing significant disruptions in central Jerusalem and traffic issues.
- For decades, Haredi men have used yeshiva enrollment to defer conscription, but a potential shift in the government could restore their exemptions.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly pushing for a new law to maintain the support of coalition partners, possibly risking government collapse.
- The ongoingAssault on Gaza since October 2023 has resulted in over 52,200 Palestinian deaths, mostly women and children, drawing attention from the International Criminal Court.
- Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, have been accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza and face arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court.
- Haredi members, making up 13% of Israel's population, have been resisting conscription since a Supreme Court ruling in June 2024, regarding their religious identity and secular integration as threats.
- The Haredi community's opposition to military service is due to fears of secularization, the suspension of religious exemptions, and the loss of cultural and religious autonomy.
- The Haredi enlistment rate remains low despite the IDF's efforts, leading to ongoing protests, political boycotts by Haredi parties, and potential early elections, which could alter Israel's political landscape.
- In the general news, crime-and-justice, and war-and-conflicts sectors, the ongoing conscription issue, political boycotts, and potential changes in government are highly relevant and closely monitored.
