Lapid calls for penalties against Haredim refusing military service

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
17 Nov 2024 18:00

The Haredi community, which accounts for approximately 13% of "Israel's" population, traditionally avoids conscription, dedicating their lives to Torah study.

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Israeli police scuffle with ultra-Orthodox settlers during a protest against a potential new draft law in occupied al-Quds, Thursday, October 31, 2024. (AP)

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid called on the regime's leadership and institutions on Sunday to deny public funding, passports, and travel privileges to ultra-Orthodox Jews (Haredim) who refuse to serve in the military.

Speaking to "Israel's" Army Radio, Lapid stated that conscription is a matter of values, calling for equal military service obligations for all Israelis.

"The recruitment of Haredim is a matter of values, and they must enlist," Lapid said. "If they do not, they should not receive budgets, they should not get passports, and they should not be allowed to travel to Uman (Ukraine)."

Lapid's comments come amid ongoing tensions over ultra-Orthodox military exemptions. The Haredi community, which accounts for approximately 13% of "Israel's" population, traditionally avoids conscription, dedicating their lives to Torah study.

Each year, many also travel to Uman, Ukraine, to celebrate the Jewish New Year, a tradition Lapid suggested should be reconsidered for those avoiding military service.

Haredi Conscription

The issue of Haredi enlistment has long been a sensitive topic in "Israel".

Critics argue that exemptions granted to the ultra-Orthodox are unfair, placing an undue burden on the rest of the population, while Haredim maintain that their religious studies are vital to preserving the occupation's spiritual identity.

In June 2023, "Israel's" Supreme Court ruled that ultra-Orthodox Jews must be subject to conscription like other Israeli citizens, intensifying tensions.

Following this decision, the regime began issuing draft orders to Haredi men aged 18–26.

Initial reports indicated significant resistance, with many individuals not responding to the draft notices.

On Friday, "Israel's" Security Ministry announced plans for the gradual enlistment of 7,000 ultra-Orthodox Jews into the military.

While the military has reported increases in ultra-Orthodox enlistments, meeting conscription targets remains a challenge due to resistance from the Haredim and complexities in enforcing the draft.