Report: Cabinet secretary says it could take 10 years to reach Haredi draft goals in government’s proposal

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men near a sign reading 'army recruitment office' during a protest against the drafting of Haredim to the military, in Jerusalem, May 1, 2024. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men near a sign reading 'army recruitment office' during a protest against the drafting of Haredim to the military, in Jerusalem, May 1, 2024. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs believes it will take 10 years to reach the goals detailed in a draft plan aimed at regulating the enlistment of ultra-Orthodox men that the government is expected to present to the High Court this week, according to a Hebrew media report.

The Israel Hayom newspaper cites Fuchs as telling cabinet ministers over the past few days that the outline in discussions would allow for around 6,000-7,000 Haredi recruits per year.

Ultra-Orthodox men of military age have been able to avoid being conscripted to the Israel Defense Forces for decades by enrolling in yeshivas for Torah study and obtaining repeated one-year service deferrals until they reach the age of military exemption.

But the law allowing for blanket military service exemptions expired in June 2023, and a subsequent government resolution instructing the IDF not to enforce conscription on such men despite the expiry lapsed in April.

Israel Hayom reports that the government will likely approve the legislation on Wednesday before presenting it to the court on Thursday.

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