In a recent survey conducted by the Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI), a significant portion of Israel's Jewish population expressed a desire for reform regarding the exemption of haredi (ultra-Orthodox) Jews from military service, shedding light on a contentious issue that has long stirred debate within the nation.
The findings reveal a robust consensus among Jews in Israel, with 81% advocating for a change in the current policy that exempts haredi individuals from serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). This consensus spans across the political spectrum, underscoring the widespread belief in the importance of shared responsibility in national defense.
“This is the one issue that has the biggest potential of bringing down the coalition,” IDI president Yohanan Plesner spoke with @Cnn’s @Mickbk to discuss the controversy surrounding the issue of ultra-Orthodox conscription.
— Israel Democracy Institute (@IDIisrael) March 10, 2024
A new IDI poll shows that 70% of Jewish Israelis agree… pic.twitter.com/c5WAxAytDV
Interestingly, the survey highlights a nuanced perspective among the population on how to achieve greater inclusion of haredim in military service. While a substantial 45% support the use of coercive measures to enforce recruitment, a slightly lesser fraction, 36%, favor persuasion as a means to encourage enlistment, indicating a preference for dialogue and incentives over compulsion.
Despite the stern warning from Israel's Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, who controversially suggested that haredim would leave the country en masse should military conscription be imposed on them, the survey unveils a different sentiment within the haredi community. A surprising 74% of haredi respondents stated they would choose to remain in Israel even if presented with the opportunity to emigrate, demonstrating a deep-seated commitment to the nation despite disagreements over military service.
Responding to Haredi leaders saying they will leave the country if the government begins to draft Haredim to the army, @yairlapid responds: "If Haredim go abroad they’ll find they have to work for a living." 🔥🔥🔥
— Aviva Klompas (@AvivaKlompas) March 10, 2024
The issue of military exemption extends beyond the haredi community to include Arab citizens and religious women. The survey found that 68% of Jewish respondents believe the exemption for religious women should also be reconsidered, indicating a broader debate on the role of various groups in national service. Meanwhile, the recruitment of Arab citizens into the IDF or national service garners support from 68% of Jewish respondents and 33% of Arab citizens themselves, suggesting a growing openness to more inclusive national service frameworks.
JNS TV | Is Israel heading for a breaking point with the Ultra-orthodox Draft crisis?
— Jewish News Syndicate (@JNS_org) March 11, 2024
Hear from two Haredi women @pninapf & @NechumiYaffe making a change!
WATCH NOW! #TheQuad @FleurHassanN @emilykschrader @ashira_solomon @VivianBercovici https://t.co/FHEbZpFUA8
However, the discussion around military service is set against a backdrop of declining optimism about Israel's future, with only 56% of Jews feeling optimistic in March, down from 74% in November. This decline in optimism is mirrored across political affiliations and is accompanied by a notable proportion of Israelis, 25%, who would consider leaving the country if given the chance. Among young secular Jews, this sentiment is even more pronounced, with one-third expressing a willingness to emigrate.
The Israel Democracy Institute reported in a new poll that approximately 70% of Israel's Jewish population believes that the current exemption from IDF service for haredim needs to change. https://t.co/dTvCU8o8hl
— Avraham Israeli Zionist 🇮🇱🇨🇦 (@IsraeliAvraham) March 10, 2024
Dr. Shuki Friedman of the JPPI encapsulates the sentiment underlying the survey results, emphasizing the war's role in highlighting the necessity for all societal segments to participate in the shared burden of security. The overwhelming consensus for revising the social contract to include haredi recruitment is seen as a potential catalyst for enhancing social cohesion and national solidarity. As Israel grapples with these complex issues, the hope is that a path to greater partnership and unity can be forged, contributing to a renewed optimism about the country's future.
