Ministers approve Haredi enlistment law, reducing exemption age to 21

22 August 2021, 4:42 pm

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The government approves a renewed ultra-Orthodox army enlistment law that reduces from 24 to 21 the age that yeshiva students become exempt from service.

According to a compromise deal regarding the sensitive issue — previous laws have been struck down by the High Court for violating the principle of equality, while Haredi leaders view blanket enlistment as a red line — the exemption age will be gradually raised over the next three years to 23, and those aged 21-23 will only be exempt from joining the military if they perform national service first.

The plan is aimed at having more Haredim enlist to the army and be properly prepared to later join the workforce.