Netanyahu Trapped Between Jewish Traditions and War Realities

As the war in Gaza continues to claim soldiers’ lives and drain Israeli society of resources and patience, an internal conflict is brewing that could potentially topple his government:

Should ultra-Orthodox Jewish men be conscripted into military service?

A Privilege Rooted in the Nation’s Birth

When Israel was founded 80 years ago, the country’s first Prime Minister, David Ben Gurion, struck a compromise with ultra-Orthodox leaders: A small number of yeshiva students would be exempt from military service to devote themselves entirely to Torah studies.

Today, this number has grown to approximately 66,000. The ultra-Orthodox make up about 13% of the population, and their political influence is considerable.

This historical exception has become a source of increasing frustration among the secular population, not least during the now 20-month-long war in Gaza, which has claimed the lives of 870 Israeli soldiers.

Many reservists have been called up again and again, intensifying the feeling of imbalance in the distribution of burdens.

Supreme Court’s Demands and Political Pressure

In a dramatic legal showdown, the Supreme Court last year ordered the state to commence the drafting of the ultra-Orthodox into military service.

However, the result has been negligible: out of 12,000 sent draft notices, only a few dozen have actually joined.

Netanyahu has repeatedly promised his ultra-Orthodox coalition partners to protect their interests, but his own party, Likud, is not unanimous.

Several members want a more equitable solution, and the opposition is waiting in the wings with plans to exploit the division to topple the government.

A Battle for the National Soul in a Time of Destiny

This is not just about politics, but about the soul of Israel. The ultra-Orthodox see their religious practices as a contribution to society through prayer and study.

Many fear that military service will undermine their religious practices and identity. Conversely, many secular Israelis perceive the lack of participation as an injustice—a kind of national “soap bubble” that doesn’t hold up to the brutal realities of war.

Votes with Far-reaching Consequences

This week, the parliament is expected to begin the first vote on a legislative proposal that could potentially trigger elections if passed in three rounds.

If just one of the votes fails, the opposition cannot attempt to dissolve the Knesset for six months.

If it all goes through, Israel faces an election within three to six months.

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