Amid the ongoing discussions on the conscription law, the State Control Committee is set to hold a special meeting on the issue of ultra-Orthodox battalions in the IDF and the absorption capacity of the military system.The initiator of the discussion, Yesh Atid MK Meir Cohen, commissioned a special survey conducted in the haredi (ultra-Orthodox) sector.
The survey revealed the attitudes of the haredim regarding conscription into the IDF. According to the data, there is a gap between the principled attitude against the conscription of yeshiva students and the question of what would happen if there were more frameworks adapted to the ultra-Orthodox sector.
Increasing the chances of haredi enlistment
In response to the question “Would the chances of ultra-Orthodox men enlisting increase if the army were to establish a variety of units that would allow haredi men to maintain their lifestyles?” Some 60% of respondents answered in the affirmative.The percentage of those who believe that adjustments on the part of the army would lead to the recruitment of haredim is higher among the older public (aged over 40) and in the Sephardic and hassidic currents, especially among the Chabad community – with 93% in support.
On the other hand, 72%, were fundamentally opposed to the recruitment of haredim into the IDF at the age of 18.The lowest percentage against conscription was recorded among the Chabad community with 60% opposition compared to 76% among the Lita’im (Ashkenazim).The data shows that even though haredi society is opposed to conscription in principle, similar to the position of the ultra-Orthodox leadership, a majority claims that the establishment of special units for ultra-Orthodox recruits would significantly increase the possibility of conscription.
Cohen stated, “This is a very important discussion that will examine the challenges and possibilities for the integration of the ultra-Orthodox in the IDF. The results of the survey show that there is room for improvement and adjustments that can change the image.“The time has come for a significant service that also applies to the ultra-Orthodox society,” Cohen added.The Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee is set to hold another classified discussion on the conscription law on Monday, with the participation of the head of the Personnel Directorate.Maj.-Gen. Yaniv Asor will present the needs of the military and its ability to recruit thousands of haredi recruits along with the necessary adjustments.