The Minister of Defense, Yoav Gallant, spoke to the Knesset on Monday about the urgent need for 10,000 new recruits for the Armed Forces. However, only 3,000 recruits are guaranteed due to the Supreme Court’s decision to withdraw the exemption from military service for the ultra-Orthodox population. Gallant explained during a closed-door session with the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that managing enlistment of ultra-Orthodox individuals through government decree would be preferable to passing a law in parliament. He also mentioned that an agreement with the ultra-Orthodox to increase their enlistment quota by 5 percent annually had not been finalized due to disagreements over regulations.
The Supreme Court’s decision last week put an end to a contentious process within Israel and led to immediate call-up of 3,000 ultra-Orthodox individuals by the Prosecutor’s Office. This move has caused significant tensions within the country.
Overall, efforts to increase recruitment within the Armed Forces and address exemptions for various populations have sparked debate and controversy in Israel. Managing enlistment and reaching agreements with different groups remains complex and ongoing.