Ultra-Orthodox Draft Controversy in Israel

In Tel Aviv, at least 40 ultra-Orthodox Jewish men were arrested at Ben Gurion Airport. They were suspected of trying to avoid Israel’s military draft, according to the Israel Defense Forces. The IDF stated these men, who crossed the border at the airport, are required to serve and will face legal proceedings.

The scale of these arrests by military police was notable. This event highlights a national debate about whether ultra-Orthodox Jews should serve in the military like other Jewish Israelis. Traditionally, the ultra-Orthodox were exempt from service, but in 2024, Israel’s Supreme Court ruled this exemption must be addressed, leading the military to begin drafting them.

Since the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent multi-front war, the issue of service equality has become central in political discussions. National elections in Israel are set for October 27, and many Israelis serving in the military, especially reservists, have voiced concerns about bearing too much of the security responsibility.

Ultra-Orthodox, or Haredi Jews, make up about 13% of Israel’s population, a figure projected to rise to 25% by 2050, according to Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics. Most ultra-Orthodox men devote their time to studying in religious seminaries instead of serving in the military.

Leaders from the Breslev Hasidic community recently held a protest against mandatory military conscription and the imprisonment of those not reporting for service. This took place outside Military Prison No. 10 in Netanya on October 12, 2026.

Ultra-Orthodox political figures have called for legislation to protect their exemption but also proposed that a specific percentage of ultra-Orthodox individuals should be subject to compulsory service. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, dependent on ultra-Orthodox support since the 2022 elections, finds himself balancing their demands with calls from others for service equality.

In a radio interview with Kol Barama, an ultra-Orthodox station, Netanyahu expressed opposition to the arrests, believing they hinder efforts to encourage voluntary enlistment without using force.