Israeli Parliament Passes Controversial Law on Military Service Exemption for Ultra-Orthodox Jews

The new law declares the study of religious texts a "fundamental value of the Jewish people and the State of Israel," thereby granting it a kind of constitutional status. Ultra-Orthodox Jews had been exempt from military service for many years. The Supreme Court overturned this arrangement in 2024. The new law will serve to give ultra-Orthodox Jews more possibilities to refuse military service.

In return for their approval, members of the two ultra-Orthodox parties signaled support for projects put forward by Netanyahu's Likud party. Specifically, Netanyahu can now count on the support of the Shas party and United Torah Judaism. According to reports, Netanyahu is eager to push through several legislative projects important to his far-right coalition partners before the new election.

Political Price and Criticism

Criticism came from the opposition, but also from within Netanyahu's own Likud party. For example, MK Dan Illous announced he was leaving the party. He stated: "It is a law that in practice will serve to legitimize exemption from military service."

The current Knesset will only remain in office in its present composition for a few more days anyway due to the upcoming election. Because Israel will elect a new parliament on October 27, the law is likely to be up for reconsideration in the next legislative period.

Consequences for Conscripts and Police

Following the Supreme Court's decision, police recently intensified arrests of ultra-Orthodox men. Many of the arrested ultra-Orthodox men subsequently enrolled as full-time religious students in order to establish grounds for exemption from military service.

In addition to the military service law, the government is also planning a broadcasting reform aimed at revising the regulation of television, radio, and streaming platforms. This is apparently intended to advance another concern of the coalition partners.

According to a media report, the Finance Ministry also spoke out against the law. The resistance from within the government's own ranks and from the ministries illustrates how controversial the initiative is within the Israeli political class.

Outlook Ahead of the October Election

Overall, the text of the law shows a shift in the balance of power in the Knesset in favor of religious parties. Should the law remain in force, future governments would either have to risk a constitutional conflict with the Supreme Court or acknowledge the quasi-constitutional level of religious freedom.

The coming weeks until the election will show whether the issue plays a central role in the campaign. Observers assume that both supporters and critics will cite the bill as evidence of the respective political orientation of the parties.

With its passage, a years-long dispute over military fairness in Israel comes to an end. Supporters argue that the protection of religious study is a cornerstone of Jewish identity; critics see the law as an erosion of universal military service and a disadvantage for the rest of the population.

Regardless of the outcome of the October election, the law initially remains in effect. A possible overturning by the Supreme Court or a future Knesset majority would be the next concrete step in a political debate that has occupied Israel for years.