Title: Netanyahu’s Condition for Conscription Law Raises Concerns Among Ultra-Orthodox
Subtitle: Ultra-Orthodox Rabbis Demand Changes in Legislation amid Growing Tensions over IDF Service
In a surprising turn of events, Yair Netanyahu, son of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has received a certificate from the Government Press Office, garnering both praise and skepticism. The achievement has sparked a debate about the state of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the role of the ultra-Orthodox community within it.
At just 31 years old, Netanyahu’s certificate is seen as an impressive accomplishment. However, it has also raised questions about the ultra-Orthodox community’s acceptance of the conscription law, as per the request of the Prime Minister. This comes amidst a long-standing issue of recruiting yeshiva members, which has become a contentious topic for Israeli governments since 1948.
The Chief of Staff, alongside the Prince, each have their own achievements. While Yair Netanyahu’s record certainly allows him to critique the military leadership, it took the Prime Minister a day to respond and show support for the Chief of Staff’s position. The delay in response from Benjamin Netanyahu raises the question of whether he will attempt to downplay the implications of these recent events, which suggest a deeper connection between the Chief of Staff’s concerns about the IDF’s spirit and the threats posed by the ultra-Orthodox coalition partner regarding legal reforms.
Some argue that the political sphere should not interfere with the military command and reserve personnel. They believe that the military should be shielded from the influence of election results, as this could lead to an erosion of the people’s army. However, it is important to note that throughout Israel’s existence as a state, the necessity to serve in the IDF has never been questioned.
The recent political turmoil has highlighted a different dynamic. For the first time in the country’s history, an elected government openly disregarded the principles of representing all citizens and promoting the IDF as a national value. Instead, the current government prioritizes the needs of its constituents, specifically those represented in the coalition.
The ultra-Orthodox community has historically evaded military service, and this issue has been treated with a makeshift solution for years. However, the recent legislation proposed by Moshe Gafni, Bezalel Smotrich, and Ariel Ben Gabir has exacerbated the situation, creating a discriminatory and humiliating environment for those who do not study in ultra-Orthodox yeshivas.
The conscription law being promoted by the current government perpetuates this discriminatory principle by suggesting that those studying in ultra-Orthodox yeshivas contribute as much as IDF soldiers and officers to the nation. This official announcement by the State of Israel demonstrates a departure from the IDF being considered the people’s army, and instead, presents a clear anti-Zionist stance.
As tensions escalate and the ultra-Orthodox rabbis demand changes in the legislation, it is important to consider the reasons behind this shift. The Ashkenazi ultra-Orthodox leadership has traditionally held a defensive and separatist stance, requesting autonomy and minimal interference from the state. However, in recent years, there has been a gradual shift towards demanding changes in public spaces and institutions, which has been further fueled by the partnership with the more open Shas party.
The current crisis regarding the conscription law has highlighted deep-rooted issues within Israeli society, and it remains to be seen how the government will address the concerns of both the military leadership and the ultra-Orthodox community.