Israel's Newest Army Recruits: the Ultra-Orthodox
Briefly

The historical agreement shielding Israel's ultra-Orthodox Haredim from military service has been increasingly strained following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. As the Haredim community has significantly grown, making up 14% of Israel's population, tensions have escalated between the wider Israeli populace and the Haredim, who avoid military service while benefiting from government subsidies. Following a Supreme Court ruling, Haredi men received draft orders, but compliance has been low, with only a small fraction reporting for duty. This situation presents Israel with a profound challenge regarding military service and societal integration of its fastest-growing group.
Israel's unique arrangement with the ultra-Orthodox, allowing religious exemption from military service, has been challenged post-Hamas attack, intensifying national tensions.
The rapid growth of the Haredim community raises concerns among Israelis, as they face mandatory military service obligations while subsidies support their religious studies.
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