2025-03-14 06:43:00

Security Minister: “We Will Never Harm the World of Torah”

Context of Recruitment Law Efforts

Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz stated yesterday that “we will never harm the Jewish world of Torah,” reiterating his commitment to pass a new recruitment exemption law. This announcement comes as part of coalition efforts to develop legislation that would provide exemptions from military service for a significant number of ultra-Orthodox individuals, while simultaneously establishing quotas for recruitment to address a long-standing issue in Israel’s military service landscape.

Katz made these remarks during an event hosted by ultra-Orthodox public relations strategist Yossi Rosenbaum. He emphasized the dual goals of the proposed law: to ensure meaningful military service for ultra-Orthodox citizens while also safeguarding the interests of the Torah community.

Details on Recruitment Law Initiatives

A statement from Katz’s office clarified that he aims to advance a recruitment law by consensus that would entail significant service commitments from ultra-Orthodox individuals in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), in contrast to current circumstances. Katz firmly expressed that the law would incorporate two fundamental principles: promoting substantial military service from the ultra-Orthodox community while preserving and protecting the Jewish world of Torah.

Katz’s comments come as the government outlines its target to recruit 4,800 ultra-Orthodox individuals each year, a number expected to increase incrementally over time. Plans include creating new frameworks within the Air Force, Intelligence Corps, and among ground forces, despite a substantial shortfall of combat personnel, estimated at around 7,000.

Concerns Over Meeting Recruitment Goals

In a related incident at a Purim celebration in Bnei Brak, Transportation Minister Miri Regev made a poorly received joke, suggesting that “given the energy here, you all should enlist in the IDF.” This comment was met with mixed reactions from attendees.

Recently, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara warned Katz that the recruitment goals set forth are not being met. She noted that the recruitment data for the current year falls significantly short of military needs and the objectives presented to the High Court of Justice, flagging the pressing issue of military service equality.

“The increasing demand for enlistment in regular service is underscored as the government simultaneously promotes measures that would increase the burden on the serving public,” Baharav-Miara stated, referencing a government decision on March 3, 2025, for an additional 400,000 reservists for a further three months as needed.

Tags: Israel, Security Minister, military recruitment, ultra-Orthodox, Torah, IDF, legislation, government policy