Israel Katz confirms thousands of ultra-Orthodox conscripts

Israel's new Defense Minister Israel Katz has confirmed the conscription of thousands of ultra-Orthodox men planned by his predecessor. 7,000 call-up notices are to be sent out in stages from Sunday, according to the Israeli Ministry of Defense.

Israeli media had previously reported that Israel's military wanted to issue the call-up orders. Defense Minister Joav Galant, who was dismissed ten days ago, had approved the dispatch even before his dismissal.

According to his minister's statement, Katz emphasized that the army would do everything in its power to support those affected in maintaining their religious lifestyle. Many ultra-Orthodox feel that military service is a threat to their pious lifestyle, partly because women and men serve together. Opposition leader Yair Lapid praised Katz's decision, while criticism came from the ultra-religious parties in the governing coalition.

The army would like to draft the ultra-Orthodox into military service next year following a selection process. According to the media, only a few of those contacted responded to the call-up notices sent out in the summer.

Strictly religious men were exempt from compulsory military service in Israel for decades. However, this exemption expired several months ago. The Israeli government was unable to pass a law to cement the exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox. The Supreme Court finally issued a ruling in the summer that ultra-Orthodox men must be conscripted for military service.

SDA