Controversy over recruitment of ultra-Orthodox in Israel amid crisis in Gaza

The Israeli Army has announced its decision to issue summons to recruit ultra-Orthodox youth starting next Sunday, amid the war with Hamas in Gaza and escalating tensions with Hezbollah on the northern border. This measure has sparked controversy and opposition from the ultra-Orthodox community, which has staged protests in recent weeks against the forced integration of their youth into the Israel Defense Forces. The integration of members of the ultra-Orthodox community into the military ranks is part of a program to promote diversity in the armed forces and respond to the increasing operational needs in times of security challenges. However, ultra-Orthodox Jews have shown resistance to this measure, expressing their disagreement through demonstrations and roadblocks, as recently happened in Bnei Brak. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has approved the sending of recruitment orders to ultra-Orthodox youth, although it has not been specified how many will be called up. It is estimated that around 63,000 haredi youth of military age could be affected by this decision, which aims to increase the number of recruits within the Army. The Israeli military has warned that by the year 2024, they may only be able to recruit 3,000 ultra-Orthodox youth, due to the special requirements they have in areas such as diet or interaction with women. This would imply the creation of special battalions to accommodate the new recruits in an environment suitable for their beliefs and religious practices. The decision to recruit ultra-Orthodox youth has generated tensions in Israeli society, especially following the recent attacks against Army officials by a mob of ultra-Orthodox individuals in Bnei Brak. This episode has been condemned by various political sectors and has highlighted the existing division regarding mandatory military service in Israel. Since the founding of the State of Israel in 1948, young men studying full-time in a yeshiva have been exempt from mandatory military service, which has been a subject of debate and controversy over the years. However, the Israeli Supreme Court has recently determined that there is no legal basis to exclude ultra-Orthodox men from recruitment, leading to the implementation of measures to increase their participation in the armed forces. Amid the war in Gaza and tensions with Hezbollah, the recruitment of ultra-Orthodox youth is seen as a necessary measure to strengthen Israel's defense capabilities and ensure security in a context of growing challenges in the region. The integration of different sectors of society into the armed forces is an important step towards unity and diversity, although it faces resistance and discontent from some religious sectors.