RELIGIOUS REFUSENIKS
Oleksandr Yan
July 7, 2025
An ultra-Orthodox Jew at a demonstration against military conscription reform, 2025. Photo: Reuters
In his opinion, the leadership of the Israel Defense Forces is driven more by political motives, as the military does not face difficulties in recruiting new soldiers. For example, according to a report from last December, the army recruited on average 106-109% of the target number of male recruits and about 134-157% of female recruits.
“In Israel, raids targeting draft evaders are quite rare, as the issue itself is not widespread. In fact, the country currently has more than enough conscripts. I believe this operation is largely political and specifically aimed at the ultra-Orthodox community, whose mandatory service was only reinstated in 2024. The military wants to send a clear message that all citizens share the same responsibility,” explained Yigal Levin.
Military service in Israel is compulsory for most citizens of Jewish descent. Men typically serve for 30 to 32 months, while women serve for 24 months. Upon completing their active duty, individuals transition to the reserves, where they are required to attend annual short-term training sessions until around the age of 40.
In addition to the ultra-Orthodox, who until recently had grounds for exemption, Israeli Arabs with citizenship were also exempt from mandatory conscription and may only serve on a voluntary basis. They make up approximately 21% of the country’s total population. This policy was historically adopted as a way to avoid conflicts of loyalty among citizens who have cultural, religious, and ethnic ties to the Arab world.
Oleksandr Yan
July 7, 2025
An ultra-Orthodox Jew at a demonstration against military conscription reform, 2025. Photo: Reuters
The Israeli army is preparing to mobilize 54,000 ultra-Orthodox students from religious seminaries who have until now been exempt from military service.
According to Reuters, this move follows a recent decision by the country’s Supreme Court to overturn the longstanding exemption granted to this group.
The draft notices are expected to be sent out later this month.
Community leaders are concerned that serving alongside secular Israelis, including women, may threaten the religious identity of the students. However, the army has promised to create conditions that respect the ultra-Orthodox way of life and to develop additional programs to support their integration.
It is known that for ultra-Orthodox Jews, the Israel Defense Forces have a separate unit called Netzah Yehuda, whose regulations are tailored to meet the needs of this community. This includes allocated time for prayer and limited service by women within the unit
According to Reuters, this move follows a recent decision by the country’s Supreme Court to overturn the longstanding exemption granted to this group.
The draft notices are expected to be sent out later this month.
Community leaders are concerned that serving alongside secular Israelis, including women, may threaten the religious identity of the students. However, the army has promised to create conditions that respect the ultra-Orthodox way of life and to develop additional programs to support their integration.
It is known that for ultra-Orthodox Jews, the Israel Defense Forces have a separate unit called Netzah Yehuda, whose regulations are tailored to meet the needs of this community. This includes allocated time for prayer and limited service by women within the unit
.
The fighters of the Netzah Yehuda unit. Photo credits: AOI
In May, the Military Police Corps of Israel conducted a series of raids targeting citizens evading military service, with ultra-Orthodox Jews specifically in their sights.
Similar raids were previously carried out in November 2024 and March 2025. Each operation follows a two-step process: Military Police officers first attempt to resolve the issue voluntarily by contacting the individuals, and if they refuse, a physical arrest is made. Subsequently, the detainee may face disciplinary or criminal proceedings depending on the length of their evasion.
The involvement of the Military Police is common in Israel, as most citizens of conscription age are already under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defense of Israel.
“According to the conscription law, teenagers of both genders in Israel receive the status of MALSHAV – that is, candidate for the Israel Defense Forces – along with their passport at age 16. As a result, they are already in the system, fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defense, and can be detained by the Military Police Corps. Upon reaching adulthood at 18, they receive a draft notice which they are required to respond to,” explains Yigal Levin, military analyst and IDF reserve officer.
In May, the Military Police Corps of Israel conducted a series of raids targeting citizens evading military service, with ultra-Orthodox Jews specifically in their sights.
Similar raids were previously carried out in November 2024 and March 2025. Each operation follows a two-step process: Military Police officers first attempt to resolve the issue voluntarily by contacting the individuals, and if they refuse, a physical arrest is made. Subsequently, the detainee may face disciplinary or criminal proceedings depending on the length of their evasion.
The involvement of the Military Police is common in Israel, as most citizens of conscription age are already under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defense of Israel.
“According to the conscription law, teenagers of both genders in Israel receive the status of MALSHAV – that is, candidate for the Israel Defense Forces – along with their passport at age 16. As a result, they are already in the system, fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defense, and can be detained by the Military Police Corps. Upon reaching adulthood at 18, they receive a draft notice which they are required to respond to,” explains Yigal Levin, military analyst and IDF reserve officer.
In his opinion, the leadership of the Israel Defense Forces is driven more by political motives, as the military does not face difficulties in recruiting new soldiers. For example, according to a report from last December, the army recruited on average 106-109% of the target number of male recruits and about 134-157% of female recruits.
“In Israel, raids targeting draft evaders are quite rare, as the issue itself is not widespread. In fact, the country currently has more than enough conscripts. I believe this operation is largely political and specifically aimed at the ultra-Orthodox community, whose mandatory service was only reinstated in 2024. The military wants to send a clear message that all citizens share the same responsibility,” explained Yigal Levin.
Military service in Israel is compulsory for most citizens of Jewish descent. Men typically serve for 30 to 32 months, while women serve for 24 months. Upon completing their active duty, individuals transition to the reserves, where they are required to attend annual short-term training sessions until around the age of 40.
In addition to the ultra-Orthodox, who until recently had grounds for exemption, Israeli Arabs with citizenship were also exempt from mandatory conscription and may only serve on a voluntary basis. They make up approximately 21% of the country’s total population. This policy was historically adopted as a way to avoid conflicts of loyalty among citizens who have cultural, religious, and ethnic ties to the Arab world.
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