Ultra-Orthodox conscription law fails to meet the needs of the public, civic group says

Civic movement El HaDegel says it is rallying the public to protest the government’s proposed Haredi conscription law, which it says fails to serve the needs of the army and the broader public interest.

“The fight for equal and fair enlistment is our flagship issue,” says Yitzhaki Glick, an attorney, IDF reservist, and a leader in the group’s public policy efforts, in a Zoom meeting titled, “Conscription law or evasion law?”

The meeting, which is open to the public, has around 50 participants.

“The war in Gaza, the hostages, the Iranian attack — all of which are important — have been used by the coalition to advance this undemocratic goal,” he says. “But the issue of equal and fair conscription is central to all of the threats facing this country.

El HaDegel, formed by IDF reservists after the October 7, 2023, attacks, is promoting an alternative Basic Law that would make national or military service mandatory for all citizens, with legal penalties for those who refuse.

“Every citizen of Israel needs to serve,” says Glick. “If you don’t serve, you are not entitled to benefits from the state. You’re a criminal.”

“This issue is close to my heart because two of my sons are currently in the army,” says Lilac Idelberg, one of the organization’s leaders, a lawyer and member of the Nahariya City Council.

“Even if the proposed law is passed, it doesn’t even bring us close to the needs of the army,” she adds. “Our proposed bill, in contrast, would lead to the enlistment of all those who are legally required to serve.”

El HaDegel describes itself as nonpartisan and aims to promote “Zionist leadership, Zionist legislation, and Zionist action.”

The meeting comes as the IDF is set to begin sending 54,000 draft notices to Haredi men whose exemptions expired last year. Ultra-Orthodox parties have threatened to topple the coalition if new exemption legislation is not passed.