Jerusalem: An Israeli reserve soldier has expressed grave concerns about the government's military strategy in Gaza, warning that it could potentially "crush" army personnel. This warning comes amid the continued exemption of ultra-Orthodox Jews from compulsory military service.
According to Anadolu Agency, the soldier, Dan Oron, conveyed his disapproval of the current government's approach, describing it as "helpless and weak" against the influence of ultra-Orthodox rabbis and political figures in Israel. Oron highlighted that the majority of ultra-Orthodox youth receive exemptions from military obligations, placing a heavier burden on secular soldiers.
Oron criticized the government's decision to send soldiers into conflict while exempting tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox individuals. Ultra-Orthodox Jews, known as Haredi, make up approximately 13% of Israel's population of 10 million. They have resisted mandatory military service following a Supreme Court ruling in June 2024, which called for their enlistment and the cessation of funding for religious schools whose students refuse military service.
Haredi leaders argue that their focus on Torah study is paramount and fear that joining secular society could jeopardize their religious identity. Historically, Haredi men have avoided conscription by deferring military service due to yeshiva enrollment, until reaching the exemption age of 26. Prominent rabbis have urged their followers to reject military service and even to disregard conscription notices.
The reservist's statements come at a time when tensions are escalating in Gaza, with Palestinian resistance groups intensifying their attacks. The ongoing conflict has resulted in the deaths of nearly 58,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, since October 2023.
In addition to domestic criticism, Israel is under international scrutiny, with the International Criminal Court having issued arrest warrants last November for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Moreover, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its military actions in the region.