More than a thousand Orthodox Jews who refused military service were arrested

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In Israel, warrants have been issued for the arrest of more than 1,200 ultra-Orthodox Jews who refused to perform military service. This was reported by Anadolu Agency, citing local media.

It is reported that in 2024, 3,000 ultra-Orthodox Jewish youth evaded military service.

The Israeli army is in need of additional forces due to military operations in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon. According to estimates, the Israeli army needs about 10,000 more soldiers.

On June 25, 2024, the Israeli Supreme Court unanimously ruled that ultra-Orthodox Jewish youth (Haredim) must also serve in the Israeli army.

It was also reported in November that the Israeli military had sent draft papers to ultra-Orthodox Jews due to the ongoing war in Gaza and Lebanon. The Supreme Court ruled that Jewish seminary students would not be exempted from military service. The law granting them this privilege was passed in 1948, when ultra-Orthodox Jews were a minority. However, religious leaders objected to the new initiative.

According to Reuters, citing the Israeli Defense Ministry, 7,000 members of the conservative community will be sent draft papers in stages. They will work with community leaders to maintain their religious lifestyle.

Haredim, who make up about 12 percent of Israel's population, traditionally devote their lives to studying Torah in religious institutions and avoid military service. According to Israeli law, people who have reached the age of 18 are conscripted into the army. Follow “Zamin” news on “Telegram”