In a compelling shift for Israel's military landscape, the long-standing exemption of Ultra-Orthodox Jews from mandatory military service is facing unprecedented challenges.
Brigadier General (Ret.) Ram Aminach, a former economic advisor to the IDF Chief of Staff, has unveiled a groundbreaking 10-point plan that could revolutionize Ultra-Orthodox integration into the IDF.
Aminach's proposal comes at a critical juncture. The Israeli Supreme Court recently annulled laws that had previously shielded the Ultra-Orthodox community from conscription, mandating that the IDF must now issue draft orders to this demographic. This judicial decision has sent shockwaves through Israel's political and religious spheres, pushing the Ultra-Orthodox community into uncharted territory.
The roots of this exemption trace back to 1977, when a perfect storm of leadership changes—including the ascension of Rabbi Shach, the Gur Rebbe, and Prime Minister Menachem Begin—led to a sweeping military service exemption for Ultra-Orthodox men. This arrangement, however, came with strings attached: those seeking exemption were required to forgo secular employment and university education, dedicating themselves instead to religious studies until the age of 26.
As Israel grapples with evolving security challenges, the sustainability of this arrangement has come under scrutiny. Aminach argues that the integration of the Ultra-Orthodox into both military service and the workforce is not just a matter of equality, but of national survival. "The State of Israel has been under an existential threat since its establishment," Aminach asserts. "Jewish sovereignty in the Promised Land is not at all guaranteed."
The numbers are stark. Today, nearly 14,000 Ultra-Orthodox men are of recruitment age, with 30,000 more born in the last year alone. Economic projections suggest that successful integration could boost Israel's GDP by 150 billion shekels annually—more than twice the current defense budget.
Aminach's plan seeks to bridge the gap between secular and religious worlds, proposing a model that would allow Ultra-Orthodox recruits to maintain their religious practices while serving. This approach represents a departure from previous efforts, which Aminach characterizes as designed to fail from the outset.
The success of Aminach's proposal could redefine the relationship between religion, state, and security in one of the world's most complex geopolitical regions. The coming months will likely determine whether this new chapter in Israel's military history will be written—or if the status quo will prevail in the face of mounting pressures for change.
Here are his 10 points for successful Haredi integration into the IDF:
1. Ultra-Orthodox-only military units and bases:
Establish dedicated units and bases exclusively for Ultra-Orthodox soldiers. Strictly prohibit female soldiers and permanent placement of secular or Modern Orthodox personnel. During initial stages, allow God-fearing non-Ultra-Orthodox commanders acceptable to the Ultra-Orthodox community.
2. Religious observance and dietary requirements:
Provide food with stringent kosher certification matching Ultra-Orthodox standards. Ensure full adherence to prayer schedules, religious commandments, and daily Talmud study. Allow at least two hours daily for paired Torah study (chavruta). Permit traditional Ultra-Orthodox hairstyles and side-locks without enforcing uniformity.
3. Recruitment criteria and process:
Focus on recruiting 18-year-old Ultra-Orthodox men for combat and combat support roles. Avoid sorting or offering alternative unit placements unless explicitly requested by the recruit. If such requests occur, attempt to persuade the individual to remain in Ultra-Orthodox units.
4. "Outstanding prodigies" program:
Establish a quota for Ultra-Orthodox "prodigies" similar to provisions for outstanding athletes. These individuals will enlist, wear uniforms, and complete basic training, but will primarily engage in extensive Talmud study. They will provide daily lessons to other soldiers while continuing their own religious studies.
5. Immediate release of older Ultra-Orthodox men:
Release all Ultra-Orthodox individuals aged 19 and above who haven't been drafted. This aims to address the issue of tens of thousands being forced into yeshiva study and reliance on state support. Simultaneously, issue immediate summons for initial recruitment to those not yet called up and enlistment orders for those who've completed initial recruitment.
6. Base design and routine:
Structure the bases and daily routines to closely resemble yeshiva life. This includes closed bases, wake-up procedures, and living quarters similar to yeshivas. Each base should have a large study hall for prayers, lessons, and paired study. Implement a leave and vacation schedule mirroring yeshiva breaks.
7. Handling non-compliance:
Classify those who don't report for service as deserters, but avoid forceful arrests. Rely on existing legal sanctions for deserters, recognizing desertion as an ongoing offense without a statute of limitations. This approach aims to eventually encourage families to prefer military service over lack of structure.
8. Training adaptations:
Extend the training period for Ultra-Orthodox soldiers to accommodate time for prayers and religious study. Expect combat training to last at least ten months, longer than standard programs. Tailor initial recruitment tests to the limited range of roles available in these units.
9. Leadership and consultation:
Ensure the IDF's senior command understands that the goal is not assimilation but maintaining Ultra-Orthodox identity. Consult closely with Ultra-Orthodox leadership on religious and behavioral matters. Appoint an Ultra-Orthodox military rabbi, even if it requires bringing in a civilian rabbi as an IDF employee.
10. Avoiding stigmatization and compromises:
Make efforts to prevent Ultra-Orthodox recruits from being stigmatized as marginalized members of their community. Refuse compromises that delay recruitment or target only those not studying in yeshivas. Emphasize that the aim is to provide a suitable framework for all Ultra-Orthodox youth, not just those on the fringes of the community.
* Channel 12 contributed to this article.