New JPPI Report Calls for Urgent Reform on Haredi Conscription: Economic and Social Stakes at an All-Time High.
Jerusalem, Israel, 15 December, 2024 — The Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI) has released a landmark report addressing one of the most contentious issues in Israeli society: the conscription of Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) men into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and civilian national service. The report – the first of its kind to include social, economic, political, and legal factors – highlights significant gaps in conscription rates, mounting economic costs, and growing public dissatisfaction, calling for an urgent reassessment of Israel’s conscription policy.
The report reveals that while 72% of Israelis support universal conscription for Haredi men, enlistment rates within the Haredi community remain below 15%. This disparity has fuebled calls for reform, as critics argue that the current system violates the principle of “shared burden” — the idea that all citizens should contribute equally to national service.
From an economic perspective, the cost of Haredi non-participation is considerable. The report estimates that Haredi exemptions from both military service and the labor market result in an annual economic loss of ₪10 billion (about $2.6 billion). This figure reflects lost productivity, lower tax revenues, and the continued reliance on government stipends for full-time Torah study.
Professor Yedidia Stern, President of JPPI, emphasized the urgent need for reform: “The principle of equality in national service is a foundational value for Israeli society. Our report shows that current policies are unsustainable, both economically and socially. It is time to shift from symbolic gestures to concrete action that ensures fairness for all citizens.”
Key Findings from JPPI’s Report
1. Public Support for Reform is Overwhelming
* 72% of Israelis support universal conscription for Haredi men, with support rising to 85% among secular Israelis.
* In contrast, only 18% of Haredim support mandatory conscription for their community, reflecting a significant cultural divide.
2. Economic Cost of the Status Quo
* Haredi non-participation in military service and the labor force costs Israel an estimated ₪10 billion annually.
* Full-time Torah study among Haredi men significantly delays or prevents workforce entry, affecting tax revenues and social welfare budgets.
* Haredi men who participate in civilian service are 40% more likely to enter the workforce, indicating that civilian service could act as a pathway to greater employment.
3. Military Manpower Challenges
* The low conscription rate among Haredim contributes to a growing shortfall of 2,500–3,000 soldiers per year for the IDF.
* This shortfall places a disproportionate burden on non-Haredi conscripts, many of whom serve in demanding combat roles.
4. Public Opposition to Government Proposals
* A government proposal to lower the exemption age for Haredi men from 24 to 21 has faced strong public criticism.
* 65% of Israelis oppose the plan, arguing that it would further reduce the number of Haredim serving in either the military or civilian roles.
5. Pathways to Reform
The report outlines three possible models for reform:
(1) Universal Conscription – Require all Haredi men to serve in the military or civilian service.
(2) Incentive Model – Offer financial incentives for service while reducing state subsidies for those who avoid it.
(3) Gradual Integration – Create dedicated service tracks aligned with Haredi lifestyle needs, encouraging gradual enlistment over time.
JPPI recommends a hybrid approach, combining elements of each model, to balance societal demands for fairness with the unique religious and cultural needs of the Haredi community.
Addressing the report’s findings, JPPI President, Professor Yedidia Stern warned that Israel’s current trajectory is unsustainable. He called on the government to recognize that the issue is no longer confined to the military sphere but has broader implications for national cohesion and economic stability. “The issue of Haredi conscription is not just about military service. It symbolizes broader questions of fairness, equality, and shared responsibility in Israeli society. This is a chance for us to forge a new social contract that benefits all citizens.”
Stern also highlighted the potential dangers of inaction, noting that Israel’s Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled that the current policy is unconstitutional due to its unequal application of the shared burden principle. Failure to introduce a sustainable policy could result in court-mandated reforms that would be more disruptive than a gradual, consensus-driven approach.
Public Pressure and Political Debate
The release of JPPI’s report coincides with growing pressure on the Israeli government to resolve the conscription crisis. Military reservists, parents of soldiers, and civil society groups have been vocal in their criticism of policies that exempt large segments of the population from military duty. Protests in front of the Knesset have called on lawmakers to “stop the free ride” and ensure that all communities, including Haredim, contribute to national security.
The government’s proposed “Conscription Law”, which would lower the exemption age from 24 to 21, has been widely criticized for reducing the total number of potential conscripts. Critics argue that the move would effectively allow more Haredi men to leave Torah study without serving in the IDF or civilian service. 65% of Israelis oppose the proposal, according to JPPI’s data.
Political analysts warn that if the government fails to resolve the issue, it could trigger broader social unrest and strain Israel’s coalition government. The issue cuts across ideological lines, with secular, national-religious, and centrist lawmakers opposing the proposal.
The Path Forward: JPPI’s Recommendations
Based on the findings of its report, JPPI proposes a four-point action plan to address the Haredi conscription challenge:
1. Expand Civilian Service Opportunities – Increase the availability of roles in education, health, and social welfare that Haredi men can join without compromising their religious commitments.
2. Create Financial Incentives – Provide stipends and other economic benefits for those who serve, while reducing state support for those who do not.
3. Build Trust and Dialogue – Facilitate dialogue between Haredi and non-Haredi communities to promote understanding and social cohesion.
4. Phase in Changes Gradually – Introduce reforms incrementally to avoid backlash and encourage buy-in from community leaders.
These recommendations reflect a desire to balance societal equity with the religious autonomy of the Haredi community. According to JPPI, the process of reform must be “evolutionary, not revolutionary” to avoid inflaming social tensions.