On Tuesday morning, Israeli military police arrested at least 40 ultra-Orthodox Jewish men at Ben Gurion Airport. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that these individuals are suspected of attempting to evade mandatory military service.
“The aforementioned individuals, who passed through the border crossing at Ben Gurion Airport, are subject to mandatory military service and will be tried in accordance with the law,” the IDF stated.
This large-scale arrest is unusual and occurs amid a national discussion about the military service obligations of the ultra-Orthodox community. Traditionally, ultra-Orthodox Jews have been exempt from serving in the military. However, a 2024 ruling by Israel’s Supreme Court mandates their conscription in the absence of legislation that legally exempts them.
The issue gained further attention after the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas led to increased regional conflict. This debate over military service is a key topic ahead of Israel’s national elections on October 27.
Israel’s military and reserve personnel often express frustration over unequal service responsibilities. The ultra-Orthodox, or Haredi Jews, comprise about 13% of Israel’s population, with projections indicating they will reach 25% by 2050, according to Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics.
Leaders from the ultra-Orthodox Breslev Hasidic community were recently seen protesting against mandatory conscription and the imprisonment of non-compliant individuals outside Military Prison No. 10 in Netanya, Israel.
Ultra-Orthodox men typically engage in full-time religious study rather than military service. Political leaders within the community have pushed for formal laws to secure a broad exemption while suggesting a limited percentage of ultra-Orthodox participation in the draft.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, maintaining power with the support of ultra-Orthodox parties, has had to navigate between their demands and calls for equal service obligations. Speaking to the ultra-Orthodox radio station Kol Barama, Netanyahu expressed opposition to the recent arrests, suggesting they hinder non-coercive enlistment efforts.
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