First 1,000 draft notices to be sent to ultra-Orthodox men this week

IDF Sends Draft Orders to Ultra-Orthodox Men

Around 1,000 ultra-Orthodox young men are set to receive draft orders this week from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). These men will be asked to attend the tzav rishon, marking the first step in the conscription process. The IDF has identified potential draftees based on criteria such as employment status, smartphone ownership, and attendance records at yeshivas.

The ultra-Orthodox community leadership, however, opposes conscription. Rabbis have issued statements directing yeshiva students not to comply with the draft orders. Despite this, some Hasidic leaders advise cooperation to avoid conflicts with the military.

As the IDF prepares to distribute thousands of draft orders, Brigadier General Shay Taib emphasized the challenges of estimating responses from this population. The process will be evaluated and refined after each round of orders.

The debate highlights the complex relationship between the ultra-Orthodox community and the IDF, shedding light on cultural, religious, and political tensions within Israeli society.