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Baz Ratner / Reuters
An ultra-Orthodox Jewish man walks behind Israeli soldiers at the entrance to a recruiting office in Jerusalem on Wednesday.
TEL AVIV – The Israeli Army is at the center of the latest debate between left and right-wing politicians that threatens to tear apart Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.
Service in the Israel Defense Forces is mandatory for all Israeli citizens over the age of 18, including women. There are two groups that have traditionally been exempted: ultra-Orthodox religious Jews and Arab-Israelis.
But after years of debate, those exemptions from service are now being questioned, leading to a political minefield for Netanyahu and his government.
Historic opportunity?
When Israel established itself as a religious state, the first Prime Minister David Ben Gurion made a deal with country’s ultra-religious Jews. Upon reaching the age of 18, religious Jews could declare they wanted to study the Bible at Yeshiva schools, and in return Israel would not draft them into the army. When Ben Gurion agreed to this political deal in 1948 there were about 400 religious Jews at stake, now the number has risen to about 60,000.
This agreement has torn Israeli society ever since. It has been a bitter point between those who feel they are contributing to the country by serving in the army for three years and those who are perceived as dodging hard work for the comfort of studying at Yeshiva schools.
Netanyahu recently managed to consolidate his political power in Israel – adding the centrist Kadima political party to his government, and making it one of the strongest political coalitions in Israel’s history with 94 out of 120 seats in the Knesset, Israel’s legislature.
So there has been political pressure for the government to take on the controversial draft issue. Many secular Israelis see the strength of Netanyahu’s coalition as a historic opportunity to change the long-standing agreement with the ultra-religious Jews and come up with some kind of agreement where they can be enlisted into the Army or some other form of non-military national service.
Committee rendered powerless
Netanyahu himself appointed a committee to try to resolve the thorny issue – only to dissolve it on Monday of this week – days before it was supposed to release its findings. The move sent political shockwaves through the house of parliament.
Baz Ratner / Reuters
Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men attend a protest against a new conscription law that might force ultra-Orthodox Jews to serve in the army, in Jerusalem's Mea Shearim neighbourhood, June 25, 2012.
For the past month, Kadima party member Yohanan Plesner has taken on the role of trying to create a new groundbreaking structure that would ease the burden off of the civilians who serve in the army and find a way to enlist the ultra-religious, as well as Arab-Israelis.
Plesner held a press conference to announce the panel’s findings anyway – despite the fact that the committee had already been disbanded by Netanyahu – rendering it toothless.
The 90-page interim report “can lead to a fundamental change in Israeli society by creating a new social treaty that will see more sectors of the society shoulder the burden of service,” a summary of the report stated.
The Plesner committee suggested a universal draft for all Israeli citizens and suggested inflicting economic sanctions against Yeshiva schools that refuse to send their students into the army.
See a summary of the report’s findings from YNetnews.com
‘A national mutiny’
Religious leaders, like Rabbi Azienshtien, expressed anger at the proposal. "Plesner doesn’t understand our world, his decisions have no practicality,” said Azienshtien. “Not one Yeshiva student that wants to continue studying will be drafted against his will. If he has to go to jail, he will go to jail. There will be a national mutiny.”
Azienshtien wasn’t the only one mentioning the word mutiny.
Another recommendation by the Plesner committee was to apply universal service to the 1.4 million Arab-Israeli citizens living in Israel who make up about one-fifth of the population.
Raja Agbrya, a member of the High Arab Follow Committee, expressed outrage at the suggestion, too. "We totally reject this proposal. Even if this law will be implemented, we will disagree and we threaten to carry out a national mutiny."
The Arab-Israeli community claims they are treated as second-class citizens in Israel, so why should they give back.
The Plesner committee’s argument is that the move would “pave the way for the Arab sector's better integration in Israel's social and political fabric.”
The ultra-religious Jews who are furious about the idea of any change to their status argue that drafting 60,000 new recruits would impose logistic, as well as ethical problems.
Since it is against ultra- Orthodox belief to be close to women, other than their wives, how would the religious men serve alongside female soldiers? Another issue they bring up is how would the army accommodate their dietary needs and supply them with the special kind of kosher food they require?
Photo Blog: Ultra-Orthodox Jews protest Israel military draft
Political will?
However, since Netanyahu dissolved the Plesner Committee already – any changes the group suggested seem moot for the meantime.
But, the prime minister has not escaped coming under fire for caving to pressure from religious parties. Now his powerful coalition is threatening to dissolve itself. Kadima party leader, Shaul Mofaz, vowed to leave the coalition if no solution is found to the problem.
Plesner concluded his press conference by saying, "We do not wish to trample on any sector's rights. We aim to foster a historic change and create a more cohesive, united society."
The question now is whether or not Israel’s politicians will have the political might to make the changes.
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Leave a Comment:
No way should they ever allow the Orthodox to serve in the army. I'd rather have less conscripts than soldiers taking orders from god instead of their superiors - Israel doesnt need a Jewish taliban.
the orthodox are going to do whatever they want until someone comes down on them and tells them what they are doing is wrong. they do not work. they say worshipping god is their only job and that, in itself, is what israel needs (according to them). they get paid to live in israel and not work AND they dont serve in the army. until the government says "enough is enough" they will continue to leach of the israeli tax payers. this is the first step in what will hopefully make them realize they cannot have a free ride anymore. if they want to go to war with the secular jews, they will lose (being that they havent had proper fight training since 1948 anyway).
Don't you nean "leach off of the US taxpayers"?
Maybe it should not be in the military, but they should not be allowed to continue to escape any national service when it is required of everyone else. I am sure there are plenty of civil jobs that they can do to meet their service obligation. Giving any group a free ride on the backs of others only serves to create divisions and animosity between the groups.
Oh, well...
You're so right.....Religion has been a two pronged sword . One side is for humanity and descent living by all and the other side fanatical. The ultra orthodox jewish group is just as fanatical as the islamic taliban....The thirty years war, protestants against catholics and a whole host of religious leaders who bend the truth to suit political needs..The Israeli government has a serious problem with these religious fanatics who want to change societies into religious havens .......The battle has already begun between jewish citizens and the attacks on women who donot conform to orthodox views....
Hummmmmmmmmm .... Benny can't keep his foot out of his mouth ...................
Not sure about the intricacies of Israeli society, but how come the Arabs don't want to serve in the army? I understand they'd be against the whole "Jewish-state" thing since they're not Jewish and all, but you'd think the more integrated they are in the system the more ability they'd have to change or at least moderate it...
This may sound like a radical idea, but.......move all the ones that don't want to defend their country right to the borders.......they'll either fight if they have to ...or die. And if what Rockme says is true (that they don't work or do anything productive) then they're not much value to the country in the first place and won't be missed. What makes them think that they're so special......better than every one else. If no one was there to feed and protect them, like a bunch of babies, then what would they do?
@ Khalid
Israel is constitutionally a Jewish State. Obviously every body else is a 2nd rate citizen. How can Israeli Arabs serve in the armed forces when the same force is occupying the land where their Arab brethrens live !
The State of Israel's existance is at stake.
Now the Global World, and Warriors have come to them in threats/or action, to "Wipe Israel off the Face of the Earth". The Ultra Orthodox are going to have to change, hard as it may be, accepting the fact that their life will no longer exist if Iran or any other Country takes starts a Nuclear War.
Prime Minister Netayanhu has the guts to start getting the Scholars, and studiers of the Torah to get them off their desks, sitting at home. They must be trained in the Military---equally as well as any Israeli citizen. Israel will need every person over the age of 18 to be able to fight. Something they do not believe in. All of them live in a "Bubble". The Seculars in Israel must be after the Prime Minister re: Equal Military Service.
Israel has been entirely Isolated by all Countries of the World. Anti-Semitism is also at a high level now.
The "Bubble" has to be broken. Sad to say---Israeli's Ultra Orthodox can no longer live like it was 2,000 years ago in this Jewish State.
Young people HERE should ALL do A service for THIS country I believe. Builds respect. The ultras in Isreal should also. They can take an hour out of a day, or a day out of the month like anyone else.
rockymtnroustabout:
Israel's Ultra's can take an hour out of day or day of the month for what?
Please explain. Joining the Military takes more than an hour a day/or a day. It is a full time job. They live by their religion, which does not apply to serving in a Military--now they must.
they shouldnt be allowed to hide behind their religion, fight like everybody else
Khalid,
Thanks for bringing that up. The article does not mention that there ARE ultra-orthodox Jews serving in the IDF: they volunteer & enlist. There Are Arab Israelis serving in the Army. They enlist. There are Arab-Israeli commanders in the IDF. There are Arab Israeli doctors that are heads of their Specialty Depts at Israeli hospitals treating Jews, Arabs-Christian and Muslim; from Israel, Gaza, Judea and Samaria and Africa, Beduin and Bahais. And they share rooms etc. There are Arab Muslims serving in the Knesset, others are judges in courts including Israel's Supreme Court. When needed they & their Jewish counterparts sentance corrupt polititians to jail.
And yes, Mr Blue Collar there are some injustices but Israeli society can and does grapple with these issues..no easy task when their country is so tiny and surrounded north, east south and west with enemies hell-bent on its destruction, but they try and are making progress.
Always amusing to see that there is more freedom of speech to speak out against the Israeli military, government, or especially the Jewish religion IN Israel than we have over here in the US. Here if you mention something other than full support for Israel (not understanding any of its complexities) you are immediately likened to Hitler or Osama Bin Laden.
Free speech includes the right of others to criticize yours including insulting your opinions. You're still free to express them.
True Peter. Too bad we couldn't havemore open discussions about it. But even having open discussions about it is problematic because antisemitism runs deep. The pain and suffering is so deep on both sides that it will take generations of no wars to bring true peace.
Peter, I have taken part in lots of these discussions. All too often, someone will start by criticizing Israel...and in about six postings, he is attacking the Jews. Or, as I put it, they go from anti-Zionists to Jew baiters in about six messages. Of course this is not always true...but often enough to make one very sensitive to it.
Peter you are free to say it and I'm free to think you're a bigoted douchebag. There seem so few people who actually have legitimate concerns about Israel. Every one of the ones I've encountered were tinfoil hat wearing Jewish banker conspiracy types and they generally were racist against any non-white.
In the US these things are exposed and people hate it. I'm glad it's like that here. The anti-semitic Eurotrash and Islamo Fascists are not an example of what I'd like to see here.
All this seems really, really sad. The bigotry against women seems to go with all sorts of fundamentalism. Time for it to go.
@ Colin - You show the typical mindset of most Israel supporters. First you respond to a simple comment by calling someone a bigot and duchebag, but then go on to refer to those that critize Israel as Eurotrash and Islamo Facists. You're a perfect example of what I would not like to see here. Peter is correct many people have legitmate concerns about Israel's continued theft of Arab land and occupation, as well as many other issues like administrative detentions, restriction of movement, evections, and disregard for international laws and resolution. All to often these people are labeled anti-semetic, which seems to be largley due to the fact that people like you cannot develop a meaningful counter-argument so you resort to personal attacks
You are the first to drop "Hitler". And no one, here but you has equated people like you that may disaggree with Israel to call them "Hitlers" or "Bin laudins".
Sorry
Religious extremists ... Taliban, Wahhabis, Orthodox Settlers, Baptists, et al ... they're all cut from the same un-evolved cloth. How can we live in peace when these kooks are poisoning humanity's well?
True that. Has there ever been a war started by an Atheist? Not saying Atheism is the answer. I'm just asking the question.
Joseph Stalin to start with, GK
Ah, yes, Nationalism would be as dangerous as religion. Or since we had the 4th of July yesterday I should even say patriotism can be as dangerous.
But in retrospect, it is not really the religion or even the nationalism that causes the wars. It is the use of them to alienate one group of people against another. I suppose many of the worst leaders in the world have not really had any religious preference only stated one to get the support of the masses, such as with Sadam Hussein.
"Imagine there's no country. It isn't hard to do. Nothing to win or fight for. No religion, too."
-John Lennon
Cassandra, Stalin was educated at a Georgian Orthodox Seminary. Hitler was educated at Roman Catholic schools. Both came from religious homes and both had mothers that had plans for them to become priests.
Yes, well both Hitler and Stalin obviously decided that Mother did NOT know best.
I never want religions to be compelled to end forcibly but I dream of the day when people wake up, see these superstitions for the base of political power that they are and the detriment they have on manking.
Religion is a plague on mankind in the modern day even though there was a time when they helped us to organize as societies and make advances.
Time has come to move on.
Make Israel part of United States and one of our state.
Thus those who want to join military can and those who do not want do not. That way Israel is protected and
As per US policy Arabs will get their free independent state. Settler will have whole USA to settle for that American Jews can donate zillions they will save from Israel Jews not paying as much for protection since e American basis will be all over Israel including missile defense and anti soviet missiles.
Let usdo it.
Make Israel part of United States and one of our state.
You don't say, GODGRAVITON - I was under the impression that Israel has been our fifty-first state for at least 3 decades!
“Make Israel part of United States and one of our state.”
That’s weird from the way the US government goes on I was under the impression that the US was a possession of Israel
You are such an idiot Losmuertos. They are complicitly acting together out of mutual benefits. Our current president has had a rocky relationship with Netanyahu.
Colin O'Connor
Oh Colin I didn’t know Obama was the be all and end all of the US government, I thought it had three branches and two distinct parties, both of which seem to always go on TV a declare their loyalty to the state of Israel, of course what’s really strange is they then insist that they have a say in the Israel/Palestine peace process as they claim they are a neutral mediator, and as well all know the best neutral mediators are always the ones who declare their loyalty to one of the arguing sides right? (rolls eyes)
But hey it’s ok if you don’t believe me, after all judging by your previous post (3.4) you’re one of those hypocrites that decries racism but then uses racist blanket terms like “Eurotrash”
Well the Arabs don't want the Jews there anyway so I'm not sure what you can force them to do. However if the Orthodox Jews want the protection of the military they should serve with the rest of the population.
I would not be opposed to mandatory service here in the United States as long as there is a sufficient number of non military opportunities available.
Growing from 400 to 60,000 makes you wonder if that many really had a religious awakening or are merely avoiding the draft. Sort of like Romney choosing to spend 1 1/2 years in France during the height of the Vietnam war as a Mormon missionary.
To be fair, there was a long history of Mormon missionary work in Mitt's family, going back to the beginning of the religion in the USA. I might not like him politically, but I understand his actions in historical context. Vietnam was a mockery of a sham with our troops not given 100% support of the government. It was a lose-lose situation, and we all know Mitt plays to win, regardless of who gets hurt on the way. Come to think of it, maybe he could have done well in Vietnam...
To be fair....he could have chosen any other time to go. He most likely was draft dodging.
they grew in number from 400 to 60,000 in just 60 years? heck, the muslims don't multiply that rapidly, do they?
Guys, I think it was due to immigration PLUS the high birth rate.
i think its more pointing to the fact that its an accepted way to dodge millitary service.
An Israeli "Taliban-Like" element. Interesting, very interesting
It's interesting to think there's an American Taliban: folks who take the law into their own hands when reality conflicts with their religious perspectives (think abortion doctor murderers and Timothy McVeigh).
Jimee, I despise abortion doctor murderers as much as anyone. But those killers are isolated nutcases and so was Timothy McVeigh, who was executed ten years ago, and was an atheist. This is a far cry from the worldwide movement of extremist radical Muslims like the Taliban.
Actually we have a nazi movement. A militia movement And of course the lovely underground kkk. As well as many other little groups that are in fact anti government and anti american. That said I will move to say that in itself is a real problem. Why the government both sides even allows it to be in this country is more important to me the what the hell Israel is having go on. Oh and then the cult movement in the US know as the Christian church and the Mormon church. Yeah with that I ask you what good are the people in these groups doing for our country besides holding it up playing politics and creating divides with in our nation. One has to think it is time to deal with it in our own nation. I fail to see how organized religion with no proof at all of a god has not been deemed a cult. It qualifies in ever way.It serves no real good but to point the finger at those they deem not worthy or telling jews they are not real jews till they convert.That is dividing and thats like being a racist and no different.This country should start paying attention to itself and worrying about whats going on at home not whats going on in other nations all the time.
Your analogy, Sparrow, is idiotic. This article is about people avoiding violent service to study while the Taliban wholly embraces violent service.
People are such morons.
@ Colin O'Connor -Who are the Israeli's that are supporting/initiating settlements in Gaza and Golan Heights? Oh that's right the Ultra Orthodox Jewish wing of the population
@ Colin- You're right people are morons. Take yourself for example. You have yet to post one intelligent comment but have made personal attacks on a number of people who appear to be much smarter than yourself. The Ultra Orthodox are very similar to the Taliban in a number of ways. They follow a strict fundamental religious way of life and attempt to forces other to conform to that way of life. The Ultra Orthodox throw rocks at little girls on their way to school and vandalize mosque and IDF bases. They attack Arabs and guard their illegal settlements with automatic weapons. I would think that in your infinite wisdom you would have know all of this already. Their refusal of military service is in no way a result of the violence that it may entail
Has anyone else noticed the evil in the face of the guy with the hat? The greatest evil on earth has come from the most religiously fanatical among us. Hitler, Ayatollah, bin Laden, Menachem Begin, Jim Jones, the Pope - all religious fanatics. Count the dead.
How is it that religious fanaticism is alive and well in America? Rush, you should be ashamed of yourself and would be if you were not making so much money.
Well said Tex. In the end Rush will realize his negative impact on American and he will suffer that thought in his final moments.
Tex, I just thought he looked angry...and unfortunately, in our culture a black beard is often a symbol of evil. I need hardly add that his group seems to have no fashion sense...although the Orthodox women might think that that beard and those sideburns are adorable.
And what is so evil looking about this guy? Would you still say that if he was blond? or maybe without the facial hair? It's just a stupid thing to say about a person you don't even know in a picture in which you don't even know the circumstances.
He may not be happy. It may be that he is diverting his eyes from the photographer right before being photographed. A large number of the Hasidim (ultra religious) do not appreciate being photographed b/c of the Torah's provisions against making images or idols. Or he may be reacting to something going on in the street beside him. Point is, you have no point of reference to be saying the guy looks evil.
Leslie, look at his eyes...no more excuses!
Fanatic=evil, period.
Tex, I did look at his eyes...covering the rest of his face with my hand, including the sideburns, hat and beard. He just looked angry and unhappy to me, as others here have said. Prejudice=evil, period.
LESLIE.
I think you missed the point in the comment.
LESLIE.
I think you missed the point in the comment.
Rush is such a fat bag of hot air. My dad listened to him in the nineties and all he ever talked about were drugs this druggies that....then he turned out to be addicted to oxycontin which is pretty much heroin.
Not only does he think he's entitled to tell everyone else how to live he thinks he himself is exempt. He's a fat, loud bigoted douche.
Ahh, religion...of any type. Got to love it. It can be used for or against any end. Want me to go to war to help my country...nope...against my religion. Want to get all the benefits of said country...Okay...I'll accept them...just leave me alone in my "blind faith". Also, when and why did religious organizations become tax exempt in this country? That certainly isn't in the constitution. That sure is a fine racket...wish I could get in it.
We seriously need to start taxing churches. Just as in Israel, these institutions have only a parasitic relationship with communities. Time for them to start giving BACK.
My question to the "ultra-Orthodox religious Jews and Arab-Israelis" would be: Are you also reaping the benefits from the blood, sweat and tears of your fellow countrymen? Maybe in order for you to practice your religion 24/7 it would be advisable that you join the army to insure continued freedom of your religious practices?
Does practicing religion always give people the privileged “ego” of leaching off their countrymen?
Sometimes yes, but sometimes, no. The Pilgrims roughed it big time in the name of religion, leeching off no one except maybe a few naive Native Americans. You know, the Pilgrims, Thanksgiving and all that. I think, too, that a rabbi or priest can make a positive difference in a person's spiritual health. Hence, practicing religion does not always give people a big ego that leads to leaching off others. Sometimes it does: like when the Roman Catholic church gets tax exempt status but participates in politics: that is an example of the privileged ego leaching off their countrymen.
I think its insane that these people are so adamant against not serving. The entire country is in a scary predicament with enemies at all sides and these @!$%#s are talking about national mutiny just because its been fairly suggested that they should shoulder some of the burden of defending their land.
Couldn't agree more!
They should have just never stole the land to begin with
I don't believe the Orthodox Jews believe in birth control, so not surprising how fast they are increasing their population. However, at a certain point the cost of supporting groups that are completely supported by the state and don't have the obligations most people have is too much and so things get changed. However, I wonder if they waited too long for this to happen, as 60,000 people who would probably respond as a single unit could cause a lot of problems. However, can Israel afford to let that many people not contribute the way others do?
I'm sure glad that isn't my problem. On the other hand, the religious right here is sure causing a lot of havoc. I saw a quote today from Jim Insanotorum which went something like if gays can legally have sex in the privacy of their own homes, then it must also be legal to have bigamy, polygamy, and other similar things. Obviously logical thought is lost in people like him and the people that slavishly follow him.
"America: We have a problem." Another great understatement.
The reality is that if a man has 1, 2 ,3 or more women in his home I really don't care. If he's that stupid he has it coming. (The last comment was a joke.) But seriously, I don't care and I don't believe our laws care either. Maybe I'm mistaken but I do not believe there are any laws against having multiple partners so unless the polygamists state that they are married I'm not sure how you would even enforce it. From a social perspective however, polygamy is not a viable institution. And what I mean by this is that 2000 years ago many young men were killed in wars. For those that didn't have wives, prostitutes were always available. Fast forward to 2012 and the conditions are just not the same.
Haha all so true : ) "Insanatorum" lol. I would so much prefer a Mormon over him anyday although lately I've been thinking I'm going to vote for Obama.
Hmmm, a great time for the false messiah to show up.
A new commandment I teach you, go hate your brother, pick up your sword, and kick some !@!ss.
The torah/bible/koran are a spiritual chronicle of ancient man. In light of our recent scientific social and political advances, they are rendered irrelevant as a quest for any kind of knowledge other than historic.
The ultra-orthodox Jews are just as deluded and misogynistic as the Taliban, but maybe not quite as dangerous. I have little respect for any overcharged male who cannot deal with the presence of a woman other than his wife. Do they get turned on when the post office is a female clerk? or when the bus driver or store clerk is a woman?
The necessity for seperation of the sexes is indicative of a culture where the men lack sexual self control.
Perhaps Gurion envisioned that these Ultra-Orthodox Jews would provide a heart for a religious Jewish state. But in the end they will create a secular heart attack.
even more dangerous than Taliban. They are protected slackards and cowards.
How can cowards be more nagerous than suicidal fanatics?
Yeah I have to agree with Eli. Still I marvel at how selfish they are. If my country and people were surounded at all sides I would want to pitch in and help instead of this incredibly selfish "mutiny" nonsense. They only have the abillity to study because their fellow man are dying for them on the front lines.
I really hope Netanyahu grows some balls and just does it anyways.
Well, I suggest that Israelis first realize that they have enough problems and complexity.
There is no shortage of young, non-Ultra Orthodox and non-Arabs in Israel. And so, why not just continue on as you have?
"Human life should be rather easy." AD
Because orthodoxes and arabs do more than just not serve in the army, they also make trouble for those who do.
For exmple, orhtodox fantics have tendency to throw rocks at any car that drives by their neighborhood on saturday. If they are so anctious to throw somehting,t hey might as well go to the army and learn to do it right.
The victim of that rock should get out of his car and thrash him.
If the Ultra Orthodox refuse to help they need to put them in their on city and refuse to provide security. I think Hamas would give them a good price to provide protection from radicals.
Of course the ultra-Orthodox Jews and Muslims have much more in common with each other than they do with anyone else...from the men's beards to the women's head coverings to their dietary laws. It is a war of brothers...and we Americans can assure them from our own experience that that's the worst kind.
I see a conflict between orthodox and regular jews regarding who should serve in the army.
My suggestion is:
Since regular jews do not like orthos, but they want them to contribute some way, assign them to tasks such as mine sweepers, boby trap explorers etc (Without any equipment)...
So, it should be a win-win situation for regular isrealis......
Abdallah, you have made it clear in many postings that you do not like Israel and have no idea of what regular Jews like or dislike, either.
Good old Bibi is caught between a rock and a hard place. Sure hope they elect a new PM, one who is not a rabid-fringe-right-winger. The way societies are constructed these days coupled with continual increases in world population leaves no room anymore for ultra orthodox groups, at least not in huge cities. They belong on remote kibbutzes or places like that. If they are opposed to fighting or being near women the government surely can create some kind of social service requirements for them to fulfill their military obligations, thus making the system fair for all. It doesn't appear to me to be that problematic - just do it!
Another reason for the US NOT to give money to Israel. Another reason NOT to give them weapons etc. Another reason for the US military to NOT fight for Israel.
It is quite amazing that the UOs refuse to fight against the enemies of Israel but would not hesitate to fight their own fellow citizens to continue their status as a privileged class. A rather unGodly attitude if there ever was one.
Well, well, one of the reasons orthos don't want to join armed forces because they would be close to women serving in Israeli forces. What a screwed up society, no wonder more Jews prefer to live with us in US.
The two special interest are willing to wage mutiny against the people of Israel then the people of Israel should have the right to declare mutiny by refusing to support them with their hard earned taxes.
Draft them, beat them, jail them, shave their ridiculous beards, cut off their filthy hair where cockroaches probably live, and make soldiers out of them.
Otherwise, my friends, the Iranians will eat you alive.... And not only you, but your sexy women as well...
Why not just hold a referendum on the topic? If the majority of Israeli voters feel the role of the ultra-orthodox jews in their society warrants an exemption from military service, so be it.
If not, it's time to learn how to shoot a rifle.