Israel considers nixing compulsory military service

The proposal, which has been in the works for several years, was introduced by Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Justice Minister Gideon Sa'ar. It calls for the creation of a new national service program that would allow young people to serve their country in a variety of ways, including in education, health care, and other social services.

In Israel, a demand by ultra-Orthodox lawmakers to exempt their community from the draft is pushing the government to rethink what it requires of the nation’s youth https://t.co/UMjR51h8QX

— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) May 12, 2023

This has received support from a broad range of Israeli political parties, including the centrist Yesh Atid party, which is led by opposition leader Yair Lapid. Lapid has long been a vocal advocate for expanding the options available to young Israelis, arguing that the current system is unfair and that it places too much of a burden on those who serve in the military.

Under the current system, most Jewish Israelis are required to serve in the military for three years, while Arab Israelis are exempted from service but can choose to volunteer. Some ultra-Orthodox Jews are also exempted from service, although there has been significant controversy over this exemption in recent years.

The proposed changes have the potential to significantly alter the landscape of Israeli society, which has long been defined by its military culture. Many Israelis view military service as a rite of passage, and it is often seen as a key factor in shaping the country's national identity.

However, others argue that the current system is outdated and that it unfairly places the burden of defending the country on a small segment of the population. They point to the fact that many Israelis, including those in the ultra-Orthodox community, do not serve in the military and argue that this creates a sense of inequality.

If the proposal is ultimately approved, it could have significant implications for the future of Israel and its relationship with the wider world. It remains to be seen how young Israelis will respond to the new options available to them, and whether the country's military culture will continue to dominate its national identity. But one thing is clear: the proposal has opened up a new chapter in the ongoing debate over the role of military service in Israeli society.