Ultra-Orthodox Conscription Debate Ignites Israel’s Election Battleground

Ahead of Israel’s October 27 election, conscription of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men has become a major campaign issue amid wars, army staff shortages and concerns about the cost of living. An estimated 80,000 Haredi men aged 18 to 24 are currently avoiding military service. The Haredi parties Shas and United Torah Judaism defend exemptions as necessary for Torah study and prayer, while critics say the men are not sharing the burden of war. Following a 2024 Supreme Court ruling requiring their enlistment to begin, arrests of draft evaders sparked protests in May and threatened Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition.