Shas Party Calls for Boycott of IDF Draft Amid Rising Tensions in Israel

On Wednesday, July 17th, Israel’s ultra-Orthodox Shas party urged its followers to ignore military draft orders, escalating tensions over the contentious issue of Haredi enlistment in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). This call comes as the IDF prepares to issue initial summonses to ultra-Orthodox men for military service starting Sunday, July 21st.

The Israeli Supreme Court’s ruling in June, which mandates the enlistment of draft-age ultra-Orthodox Jews, reversed a long-standing exemption that has been in place since Israel’s founding 76 years ago. This decision has sparked intense protests within Haredi communities, who have traditionally been exempt from military service to focus on Torah study.

Shas leaders have described the draft orders as outrageous, urging their community to stand firm against them. “The Great Rabbis have instructed, categorically, that as of now, as a new law defining the status of Yeshiva students has not been passed, there shall be no response to any summons or even summons for a first order, and therefore, not to show up to the recruitment stations,” Shas stated. They emphasized the importance of maintaining Torah study without interruption.

The IDF announced that it will begin issuing initial summonses for security services from the ultra-Orthodox sector to facilitate screening and evaluation for the upcoming year’s recruitment. The IDF maintains that it seeks to recruit from all sectors of society in light of conscription obligations and current security challenges.

The announcement of the draft orders has led to further protests. On Tuesday, nine individuals were arrested for blocking a highway. Earlier in the week, senior IDF officers Major General David Zini and Major General Shay Tayeb were assaulted by dozens of ultra-Orthodox protesters following a meeting in Bnei Brak.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government coalition, which relies on support from Haredi parties United Torah Judaism and Shas, faces increased pressure to address the issue. Netanyahu has been working to advance legislation in the Knesset that would enshrine draft exemptions for Haredi men into law, aiming to stabilize his fragile coalition.

The ongoing dispute over Haredi enlistment highlights the deep-seated divisions within Israeli society regarding military service and religious study. As the IDF moves forward with its plans, the situation remains volatile, with further protests and political maneuvering expected in the coming days.