Israel calls up 54 ultra-Orthodox Jews for the army, putting Netanyahu's coalition under tension.

247 - The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Sunday (7) the start of the call-up of 54 ultra-Orthodox Jews for mandatory military service, a move that could destabilize the fragile governing coalition led by Benjamin Netanyahu. 

“The Army will begin this week issuing call-ups to complete the enlistment process for ultra-Orthodox men whose status as yeshiva (religious seminary) students is no longer valid following the expiration of the old legal arrangement,” the IDF said in a statement, according to the Deutsche WelleThe statement also highlighted that "enlistment notices will be sent in waves throughout the month of July, totaling 54 call-ups."

The measure fulfills a ruling by the Israeli Supreme Court, which, in June 2024, decided to end the exemption for this group, given the expiration of a temporary rule that allowed exemption from military service for those exclusively dedicated to religious studies. Since then, the Defense Forces had been carrying out occasional conscriptions, while the government sought to pass new legislation in Parliament to reinstate the benefit. However, faced with pressure from the Judiciary and the absence of a political agreement, the Army was forced to proceed with the expansion of conscription.

Since the founding of Israel in 1948, ultra-Orthodox Jews (the so-called Haredim) have been exempt from mandatory military service—which, for other Jewish Israelis, lasts between 24 and 32 months starting at age 18. In return, these religious individuals are expected to dedicate themselves fully to the study of the Torah.

This privilege, however, has been challenged by the Supreme Court since the early 2000s, forcing successive governments to adopt provisional solutions. With the escalation of multiple military conflicts—in Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, and with Iran—social pressure for the incorporation of ultra-Orthodox Jews into the IDF has increased significantly.

Today, it is estimated that 66 ultra-Orthodox men of military age are still exempt. This group represents about 14% of the Israeli Jewish population, equivalent to 1,3 million people.

The enforcement of the court decision generated immediate reactions from ultra-Orthodox parties, which have been part of Netanyahu's coalition since December 2022. The alliance is composed of the prime minister's right-wing Likud party and ultra-conservative parties that have been pressing to preserve the exemption for religious leaders. In June, these parties threatened to vote against Netanyahu in a motion of no confidence. An emergency agreement prevented the prime minister's defeat, as he survived the vote by 61 to 53.

The central point of contention lies in the delay in Parliament's approval of new legislation that would reinstate the exemption for those studying full-time at yeshivas. Religious leaders argue that military service would compromise the identity of the Haredim by forcing them to serve alongside secular Israelis.

Despite this, the IDF reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the court order while respecting the group's religious culture. "The Army will continue its efforts to increase enlistment among the ultra-Orthodox, while seeking to ensure the best possible conditions that respect their unique way of life," the military stated.