November 17, 2024 | 01:27 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A senior figure from United Torah Judaism sharply criticized the decision of Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, to issue 7,000 orders of mandatory military service for Haredi (Ultra-Orthodox) youths, marking a significant escalation in the debate on military service in the Israeli Haredi community.
"We know Minister Katz wants to make history in his role," the official told i24NEWS on Friday morning, November 15, 2024, "but it seems history will only remember him as the Defense Minister with the shortest term in this country."
Haredi parties have long doubted that the Israeli occupation forces will continue mandatory military service for Haredi individuals, assuming that the new Defense Minister would have the influence to stop the plan.
However, Katz's recent decision appears to have surprised many, with a draft order set to be gradually launched starting from Sunday, as instructed by the military.
Katz has stated that his ministry aims to engage in "deep dialogue" with all stakeholders to develop jointly acceptable solutions to integrate Haredi Jews into the Israeli occupation forces.
The proposed solution, according to Katz, is intended to lighten the burden on regular and reserve troops while respecting the unique lifestyle of the Haredi community, aiming for them to fulfill military duties without sacrificing their religious lifestyle.
Continuing Gallant's Work
The decision, originally made by former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant before his dismissal by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was upheld by Katz despite expectations of cancellation.
The Israeli occupation military confirmed that the first 1,000 orders would be issued on Sunday, with the remainder to be distributed in the coming months.
Katz stated that his ministry aims to be involved in "in-depth dialogue" with all stakeholders to encourage the integration of ultra-Orthodox recruits into the military while respecting their religious practices. He also promised to create a "supportive environment" for their service.
The ultra-Orthodox community has long rejected mandatory military service, advocating instead for military exemptions for yeshiva students. This exemption, which has been in place for several decades, was deemed illegal by the High Court in June, prompting calls from UTJ and Shas parties to formalize the arrangement through legislation.
Both coalition parties accused Gallant and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara of obstructing progress on the draft law, but following Katz's decision, a senior UTJ official criticized Netanyahu's Likud party, accusing them of deciding to "declare war on the ultra-Orthodox."
However, opposition leader Yair Lapid praised Katz, stating in the Knesset, "I said in the Parliament that if you send 7,000 orders of mandatory military service to the ultra-Orthodox, the soldiers and reserves will know that you are there for them. You did it without evasion."
The Israeli military reported an increase in the number of ultra-Orthodox registrants this year, but acknowledged challenges in meeting military service targets. Although the military is seeking 10,000 additional troops, including 75 percent combat forces, they can only accommodate 3,000 new ultra-Orthodox members due to their specific needs. Currently, about 1,800 Haredi soldiers are recruited annually.
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