Senior Haredi Rabbi: "If the army were without women, we might have been able to discuss it"

In a controversial statement, Rabbi Eliyahu Tufik, head of the Ba'er Yehuda Yeshiva, claimed that the IDF cannot accommodate haredi men due to the presence of women in the military.

Speaking on Kol Barama Radio yesterday (Wednesday), Rabbi Tufik suggested that haredi men who do not study Torah full-time should contribute to society through civilian roles rather than military service.

"If the army were without women, we might have been able to discuss it," Rabbi Tufik said. He added that even if a haredi-only brigade were established, it would likely face legal challenges over gender integration.

This statement comes amid ongoing debates in Israel over haredi enlistment in the IDF. The Israeli government is currently under pressure to increase ultra-Orthodox participation in military service to meet manpower needs. The Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee is debating a new draft bill aimed at boosting haredi recruitment.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has stressed the necessity of integrating haredi men into the IDF, citing current security demands and recent losses in conflicts.

While the IDF has developed special service tracks to accommodate haredi religious practices, the integration of women remains a contentious issue.

The debate reflects deeper societal tensions within Israel, highlighting the challenges of balancing diverse religious and secular values within the national framework.

The issue also has significant political implications, with some Knesset members advocating for concessions to avoid destabilizing the government coalition. As discussions continue, the integration of haredi men into the IDF remains a sensitive and unresolved issue in Israeli society.

* Jpost contributed to this article.