Will Israel go back to Gaza fighting, draft haredi men? MKs weigh in

This week on The Deep Dive, host Jacob Laznik brings together political figures to discuss some of the most pressing issues in Israeli politics, including the controversial Haredi draft bill, security concerns post-October 7, and the political landscape moving forward.

The episode kicks off with a conversation with JPost political correspondent Keshet Neev, who breaks down the latest developments surrounding the Haredi conscription bill. This draft law, aimed at increasing the ultra-Orthodox community’s participation in the Israeli Defense Forces, has faced significant challenges in the Knesset. Despite initial backing from coalition parties, key factions, including the ultra-Orthodox Shas and United Torah Judaism, have resisted the bill, causing it to stall.

Keshet explains that while the bill has made some headway, critics argue that it is effectively a “draft evasion” tactic. The law proposes to assess conscription quotas only starting in 2027, raising doubts about its immediate impact on the IDF’s critical manpower shortage. Keshet highlights the bill’s lack of strong enforcement measures and sanctions as major obstacles. The opposition is vocal, and even members of the coalition are beginning to voice concerns about the bill’s efficacy, further complicating its path through the Knesset.

Next, Jacob is joined by Moshe 'Kinley' Turpaz, a Member of Knesset from Yesh Atid, who offers his perspective on the Haredi draft law. With over 25 years of experience in education and security, Moshe shares his insights into the complexities of integrating the ultra-Orthodox community into military service. He stresses that while sanctions are necessary, reforms within the IDF are just as important to accommodate recruits from the Haredi community.

Moshe points out that the current bill lacks sufficient incentives for Haredi men to enlist and that many still see conscription as incompatible with their way of life. He advocates for reforms that would ease their transition into the army, alongside a more rigorous approach to enforcement. He also emphasizes that any real progress on the issue requires the IDF to create pathways that integrate the community effectively.

The episode concludes with an interview featuring Likud MK Dan Illouz, who discusses his party’s approach to the current security situation in Israel, particularly in light of the October 7 attacks. Dan stresses that the future of the IDF’s operations in Gaza hinges on removing Hamas from power, not just weakening their military capabilities. He affirms that the Israeli government is committed to disarming Hamas, but he also stresses the need for clear goals in the next phase of military operations.

Regarding the Haredi draft bill, Dan agrees that it needs improvement but argues that the opposition is politicizing the issue. He believes that political maturity is required to pass a law that meets Israel’s security needs while addressing the concerns of the Haredi community. Dan further clarifies that while compromises are necessary, Likud’s ideological stance must guide the final bill.

As Israel looks toward the future, the issues surrounding military conscription and the integration of the Haredi community are far from resolved. The episode provides a nuanced view of the political maneuvering in the Knesset, with insights from both coalition and opposition figures on the challenges they face. While the debate over the Haredi draft bill continues, it remains clear that any solution will require a balance between enforcement and integration—goals that are not easily reconciled in a deeply divided political landscape.

With national security concerns also looming large, the future of the Likud party and other political factions will depend on their ability to unite behind key issues and find common ground in addressing the most urgent challenges facing Israel today.