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Haredi Exemptions: A 70-Year History of Resentment

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, February 20th 2026 at 9:31 GMT by Daily Express
      Locales: ISRAEL, EGYPT

A History of Exemption & Resentment

For over 70 years, Haredi men have benefited from deferments and exemptions from Israel's universal conscription law. This exemption wasn't born from a disregard for national defense, but rather from a compromise struck in the early years of the state. David Ben-Gurion, Israel's first prime minister, agreed to allow Haredi students continued uninterrupted study of religious texts, believing it essential for the preservation of Jewish tradition and identity, particularly after the Holocaust. This arrangement was predicated on the assumption that these students, through their religious observance, were contributing to the nation in a different, equally vital way.

However, this arrangement has long been a source of growing resentment among secular Israelis. They argue that it creates an unfair burden on those who do serve, leading to a sense of inequality and eroding national unity. With the constant threat of regional conflict, this resentment has become increasingly pronounced, especially as the percentage of the population subject to mandatory service shrinks relative to the Haredi population, which enjoys a high birth rate. Many secular Israelis feel they are bearing a disproportionate share of the risk and responsibility for national security.

The 2023 Supreme Court Ruling: A Catalyst for Change

The issue came to a head in 2023 when Israel's Supreme Court struck down a law that allowed for the automatic deferral of Haredi men's military service until the age of 21. This effectively ended the long-standing exemptions and triggered immediate and widespread protests from Haredi communities. The court argued that the law was discriminatory and violated the principle of equality before the law. While the ruling didn't immediately mandate conscription, it removed the legal basis for the existing exemptions, forcing the government to address the issue directly.

The ruling, however, arrived during a period of intense political instability, making a swift resolution even more challenging. The decision sparked a fierce backlash from Haredi political parties, who saw it as an attack on their religious way of life and feared it would lead to a decline in religious observance. They worry that military service will expose young Haredi men to values and lifestyles that conflict with their strict religious beliefs, potentially leading to assimilation and a weakening of their community.

The Current Conundrum: Balancing Security and Religious Freedom

The current war in Gaza has dramatically intensified the pressure on the government to find a solution. With Israeli soldiers engaged in intense fighting, and a heightened sense of national vulnerability, the calls for shared sacrifice have become deafening. Proponents of conscription argue that in a time of war, everyone capable of serving should contribute to the country's defense, regardless of their religious background. They point to the fact that Haredi citizens benefit from the same protections and services as everyone else, and therefore have a moral obligation to contribute to their provision.

Opponents, however, maintain that forcing Haredi men into the military would violate their religious freedom and potentially lead to significant social unrest. They argue that religious study is a form of national service, contributing to the spiritual and cultural well-being of the nation. Furthermore, they raise concerns about the military's ability to accommodate the specific needs and religious practices of Haredi soldiers, such as dietary requirements, Sabbath observance, and gender segregation. Some also fear that the military environment could be deeply disruptive to the Haredi community and their traditions.

The government now faces a near-impossible task: balancing national security concerns with the religious rights of Haredi communities. Finding a compromise will require careful negotiation, significant concessions from all sides, and a willingness to address the underlying issues of inequality and social division. Options under consideration include a phased integration of Haredi men into the military, the creation of dedicated Haredi units with appropriate accommodations, and the expansion of national service options that allow for alternative forms of contribution. However, with deeply entrenched positions and a volatile political climate, a satisfactory resolution remains elusive.