“Service for All”: Israeli Opposition Demands Equal Draft for Haredim, Arabs, and Secular Youth

Leaders of Israel’s opposition have fiercely criticized the government’s handling of the contentious Haredi military draft issue during faction meetings, exposing deep rifts in the coalition over a proposed law that softens sanctions for ultra-Orthodox exemptions. Benny Gantz, head of the National Unity party, and Yair Lapid, leader of Yesh Atid, both condemned the draft law as a political maneuver to appease Haredi parties, undermining national security and fairness in military service.

Gantz outlined a comprehensive alternative, emphasizing “service for all.” He cited IDF manpower needs, stating, “The army requires at least 12,000 additional combatants and support personnel. This isn’t political games, it’s our reality for decades to come.” He accused the coalition of pushing a “bluff,” claiming, “They tried to sell us impressive paper targets we’d never meet, slashing budgets only to funnel coalition funds through the back door.” Gantz’s plan includes immediate recruitment of thousands, establishing an “Israeli Service Administration” to create diverse service tracks for all populations, including Arab citizens, and imposing personal sanctions on draft evaders. “Youth from Bnei Brak, Yad Mordechai, or Eli must face the same accountability to the state,” he asserted. He revealed past efforts with Gadi Eisenkot to advance this framework, including discussions with Haredi representatives and the Defense Ministry while in the war cabinet.

Lapid was scathing, labeling the proposed law without immediate sanctions “a fraud and deception.” He declared, “A law without sanctions is not a law, it’s another of Netanyahu’s lies, selling out our soldiers and security to cling to his crumbling coalition for a few more weeks.” He challenged coalition members, asking, “What will Netanyahu, Likud, Religious Zionism, or Ben-Gvir tell our heroic soldiers, dying daily, if they pass a law designed as a scam?” Lapid stressed, “Only those planning to break the law obsess over the punishment. If Haredim enlist, there’ll be no sanctions.” He warned that delaying sanctions even by a day would mean “colluding with cheaters.”

The debate, fueled by a Supreme Court ruling ending Haredi draft exemptions, has strained Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, with Haredi parties threatening to bolt. Amid a war costing over 800 IDF lives since October 7, 2023, the issue underscores Israel’s struggle to balance equality in service with political stability.