The Times of Israel quoted a recent report issued by the Israeli Ministry of Finance, in which its officials warned of the exorbitant economic effects that may result from the proposed draft law to exempt the Haredim from military service.
The report indicates that the current exemption represents an economic burden of up to 30 billion shekels annually (about 8.2 billion dollars), which can be alleviated by integrating more Haredi men into combat military service.
Huge economic cost
The report shows that the Israeli economy is already suffering from a lack of participation of the Haredi community in the labor market, and this is costing the economy tens of billions annually.
As the multi-front war that began in October 2023 following Operation Flood Al-Aqsa continues, the burden on reserve forces who are required to serve for periods of up to 60 days has increased, significantly affecting their economic productivity.
According to the report, introducing a thousand Haredi men into combat service annually could give reserve soldiers an additional two weeks of leave annually, which would ease the burden on them.
Strong opposition and political challenges
The Haredi community – with the support of its political and religious leaders – expressed strong opposition to any attempt to force its members into military service, according to the newspaper.
This situation became more acute after the Supreme Court ruled in June 2024 that the current exemptions lacked a legal basis. However, the government failed to reach consensus within the Knesset on the draft law, hindering any progress in this area.
The report suggests imposing strict economic sanctions to stimulate recruitment, such as:
- Targeting financial allocations to Haredi men who study Torah fully.
- Canceling support for nurseries.
- Reducing tax subsidies.
- Prohibition of issuing driving licenses or traveling abroad.
Calls for reform
In light of the ongoing war on Gaza and other fronts and the urgent need to recruit 10,000 new soldiers, according to estimates by the Israeli Ministry of Defense, officials believe that the solution lies in a radical reform of current policies, according to what was reported by the Times of Israel newspaper.
The newspaper said that the Israeli army has already begun sending a thousand recruitment orders to Haredi men as part of a plan to recruit 7,000 Haredim, which sparked a large wave of protests.
The statements issued by the Ministry of Finance confirm the need for a clear vision from the Israeli government, which includes a sustainable economic strategy to reduce the financial burden and ensure fair participation of all segments of society in bearing the national burdens.
