Israel faces political tension over Haredi military service exemptions

The debate over ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) military service remains a central and explosive issue in Israeli politics. Gilad Erdan, chairman of the new Unity Party and former Likud minister, has proposed that the state should grant military service deferments to exceptional Torah scholars. Erdan argues that these scholars, chosen by leading rabbonim, should receive recognition similar to that given to elite athletes and artists.

While Erdan opposes mass arrests of yeshiva students or stripping draft evaders of voting rights, he maintains that all citizens should eventually contribute to national or civilian service. He also advocates for a gradual transition toward a state-run Haredi education system that includes core curriculum studies.

Beyond the divide between Haredim and the rest of the Israeli public, internal fissures are emerging within Haredi society. Political factions such as Shas, representing Sephardi Haredim, and United Torah Judaism—which comprises the Ashkenazi Degel HaTorah and Agudat Yisrael factions—exhibit varying degrees of political alignment and views on compromising with the state. These internal divisions present a significant challenge for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the country approaches elections.