3. Dezember 2025

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1) Wehrdienst

Allgemeine Informationen

Befreiung vom Wehrdienst

Situation ultraorthodoxer männlicher Juden im Hinblick auf die Wehrpflicht

Alternativen zum Wehrdienst

Sanktionen bei Wehrdienstverweigerung

Situation von Rückkehrer·innen und Einwanderer·innen

2) Reservedienst

Allgemeine Informationen

Befreiung vom Reservedienst

Sanktionen bei Verweigerung

Reservedienstpflichtige Rückkehrer aus dem Ausland

Einziehung aus dem Reservedienst zu Kampfhandlungen

Anhang: Quellenbeschreibungen und Informationen aus ausgewählten Quellen

Kurzbeschreibungen zu den in dieser Anfragebeantwortung verwendeten Quellen sowie Ausschnitte mit Informationen aus diesen Quellen finden Sie im Anhang.

1)     Wehrdienst

Allgemeine Informationen

Das israelische Wehrpflichtgesetz gelte laut israelischem Außenministerium für alle Staatsangehörigen Israels, die in Israel oder im Ausland leben würden, darunter auch für Personen, die neben der israelischen noch im Besitz einer weiteren Staatsbürgerschaft seien (Ministerium für auswärtige Angelegenheiten (Israel), 7. Oktober 2021; vgl. Aliyah Pro, 30. November 2025) sowie für Personen mit nichtisraelischer Staatsbürgerschaft, die über einen Daueraufenthaltstitel in Israel verfügen würden (Ministerium für auswärtige Angelegenheiten (Israel), 7. Oktober 2021). Zum Wehrdienst verpflichtet seien laut den Israelischen Verteidigungsstreitkräften (Israel Defense Forces, IDF) Personen jüdischer, drusischer oder tscherkessischer Abstammung (IDF, ohne Datum). Die Wehrpflicht gelte im Fall von jüdischen Personen sowohl für Männer als auch für Frauen, bei Personen drusischer und tscherkessischer Abstammung hingegen nur für Männer (Aliyah Pro, 30. November 2025; vgl. SFS, 21. April 2025; Pew Research Center, 21. März 2016). Die Ausnahmen von der Wehrpflicht würden sich laut US-Außenministerium für drusische und tscherkessische Frauen daraus ergeben, dass sie in der Praxis nicht zum Wehrdienst einberufen würden (USDOS, 26. Juni 2024, Section II).

Wehrpflichtige seien nach dem Wehrpflichtgesetz verpflichtet, nach Erhalt eines ersten Stellungsbefehls („Tzav Rishon“) im Alter von 16,5 Jahren (Aliyah Pro, 30. November 2025) bei den IDF-Behörden ihren Status im Hinblick auf die Wehrpflicht feststellen zu lassen (Ministerium für auswärtige Angelegenheiten (Israel), 7. Oktober 2021). Im Rahmen dieser vor der eigentlichen Einberufung erfolgenden Beurteilung würden unter anderem medizinische Untersuchungen durchgeführt (Aliyah Pro, 30. November 2025).

Die Wehrpflicht beginne mit 18 Jahren (IDF, ohne Datum; CIA, 2021) und gelte für Männer bis zum Alter von 29 Jahren (Ministerium für auswärtige Angelegenheiten (Israel), 7. Oktober 2021) und für Frauen bis zum Alter von 26 Jahren (Aliyah Pro, 30. November 2025). Allerdings werde im Falle von älteren Personen, die ihren Wehrdienst nicht innerhalb der gesetzlich vorgeschriebenen Zeit abgeleistet hätten, davon ausgegangen, dass sie gegen das Gesetz verstoßen hätten. Daher würden solche Personen laut israelischer Regierung auch nach Überschreiten des gesetzlichen Höchstalters per Entscheidung der IDF-Behörden zur Ableistung des Wehrdiensts verpflichtet (Ministerium für auswärtige Angelegenheiten (Israel), 7. Oktober 2021).

Die reguläre Wehrdienstdauer betrage, von Ausnahmen abgesehen, im Regelfall mindestens 32 Monate für Männer und 24 Monate für Frauen (Decker, Pex, Levi Law Office, 27. November 2024; Encyclopaedia Britannica, zuletzt aktualisiert am 23. November 2025; siehe auch CIA, 2021). Indes sei in einem Antrag der Regierung von Anfang 2024 zur Novellierung des Wehrpflichtgesetzes eine Verlängerung der regulären Dauer des Wehrdienstes für Männer von derzeit 32 Monaten auf 36 Monate gefordert worden (IDI, 20. März 2024, S. 1 und 3). Diese Verlängerung solle demnach vom Tag des Inkrafttretens des Gesetzes bis 30. Juli 2029 aufrecht bleiben. Das Gesetzesvorhaben (Amendment Nr. 28) sei im Juli 2024 im israelischen Parlament (der Knesset) in erster Lesung verabschiedet worden (Knesset, 18. Juli 2024), und werde für die zweite und dritte Lesung vorbereitet (Jerusalem Post, 7. August 2024). In den ACCORD derzeit zur Verfügung stehenden Quellen konnten im Rahmen der zeitlich begrenzten Recherche keine Informationen zur weiteren Entwicklung dieses Gesetzesvorhabens gefunden werden.

Befreiung vom Wehrdienst

Vom Wehrdienst ausgenommen seien Personen, die als körperlich oder psychisch nicht wehrdiensttauglich eingestuft worden seien (IDF, ohne Datum; Aliyah Pro, 30. November 2025; Easy Aliyah, 29. Oktober 2024; New Profile, ohne Datum; The Indian Express, 24. Juni 2025). Dabei erfolge die Beurteilung der Tauglichkeit auf einer Zahlenskala, die von 21 (niedrigste Eignungsstufe: komplette physische oder psychische Untauglichkeit) bis hin zu 97 (höchste Eignungsstufe) reiche (Aliyah Pro, 30. November 2025).

Das israelische Recht sehe grundsätzlich auch die Befreiung vom Wehrdienst aufgrund von Pazifismus vor (AI, 30. September 2025). In Fällen einer Wehrdienstverweigerung aus Gewissensgründen entscheide ein aus mehreren Militäroffizieren und einer Zivilperson aus dem Bereich der Wissenschaft zusammengesetztes „Gewissenskomitee“ darüber, ob tatsächlich eine pazifistische Überzeugung vorliege, für die eine Befreiung vom Wehrdienst infrage käme, oder ob die betreffenden Personen den Wehrdienst aus politischen Gründen verweigern würden (z. B. als Gegner·innen der Besatzungspolitik). Im letzteren Fall komme eine Befreiung vom Wehrdienst nicht in Betracht (The Indian Express, 24. Juni 2025). Derartige Verfahren seien mitunter langwierig (New Profile, ohne Datum), und das Gewissenskomitee entscheide über Anträge wegen Pazifismus häufig negativ (AI, 30. September 2025; Aliyah Pro, 30. November 2025).

Personen, die nach Auffassung der IDF aufgrund „problematischer“ Verhaltensweisen die Standards für den Militärdienst nicht erfüllen würden (z. B. solche, die wegen ideologisch motivierter Wehrdienstverweigerung längere Zeit inhaftiert gewesen, wegen schwerer Vergehen verurteilt worden oder lange dem Dienst ferngeblieben seien) könne nach Ermessen der IDF eine Befreiung vom Wehrdienst aufgrund von „Inkompatibilität“ gewährt werden. Für eine solche Befreiung gebe es kein formales Antragsverfahren. Die IDF würden darüber entscheiden, in welchen Fällen eine solche Befreiung gewährt würde (New Profile, ohne Datum).

Zudem würden verheirateten Männer im Alter von über 22 Jahren und verheirateten Frauen im Alter von über 21 Jahren häufig von der Wehrpflicht befreit, wenn sie Kinder hätten (Aliyah Pro, 30. November 2025). Darüber hinaus sei es für Wehrpflichtige möglich, den Wehrdienst aus wirtschaftlichen Gründen oder wegen eines laufenden Studiums aufzuschieben (Decker, Pex, Levi Law Office, 27. November 2024), insbesondere in Fächern wie Medizin und Ingenieurswesen, bei denen auf nationaler Ebene ein hoher Bedarf bestehe (Aliyah Pro, 30. November 2025). Anträge auf Aufschub würden unter Berücksichtigung der Umstände des Einzelfalles geprüft (Decker, Pex, Levi Law Office, 27. November 2024).

Ethnisch arabische israelische Staatsangehörige, darunter Personen muslimischen und christlichen Glaubens (The Indian Express, 24. Juni 2025), seien gemäß Personalrichtlinien der IDF (Aliyah Pro, 30. November 2025) ebenfalls von der Wehrpflicht ausgenommen (IDF, ohne Datum; Aliyah Pro, 30. November 2025; The Indian Express, 24. Juni 2025; CBC News, 26. Juni 2024). Dies betreffe die meisten Palästinenser·innen mit israelischer Staatsbürgerschaft (AI, 30. September 2025, siehe auch PBS, 25. Juni 2024).

Ausnahmeregelungen aus religiösen Gründen gebe es für Zeugen Jehovas und drusische Religionsstudierende (New Profile, ohne Datum). Eine Wehrdienstbefreiung sei außerdem auch für religiöse jüdische Frauen möglich (Decker, Pex, Levi Law Office, 27. November 2024; PBS, 25. Juni 2024), die sich koscher ernähren, am Sabbat nicht Auto fahren und allgemein einen religiösen Lebensstil pflegen würden (Aliyah Pro, 30. November 2025). Im Falle religiöser Frauen müsse eine Befreiung beantragt werden. Dabei sei eine von einem rabbinischen Richter unterzeichnete eidesstattliche Erklärung eines Rabbinatsgerichts einzureichen, in der versichert werde, dass die Antragstellerin einen religiösen Lebensstil führe. Der Einberufungskommission stehe es frei, nach den Umständen des Einzelfalles eine eidesstattliche Erklärung bzw. einen Antrag zu akzeptieren bzw. zu bewilligen oder abzuweisen (Decker, Pex, Levi Law Office, 27. November 2024).

Situation ultraorthodoxer männlicher Juden im Hinblick auf die Wehrpflicht

Gemäß dem Wehrpflichtgesetz (Defense Service Law) seien alle israelischen Staatsangehörigen zum Dienst in den Streitkräften verpflichtet (IDI, 31. Oktober 2025). Ultraorthodoxe männliche Juden seien jedoch bereits seit der Staatsgründung im Jahr 1948 zum Zweck des Studiums religiöser Schriften von der allgemeinen Wehrpflicht befreit gewesen (Die Zeit, 15. Juli 2025). Für Ultraorthodoxe liege die Altersgrenze für die Einziehung zum Wehrdienst bei 26 Jahren (The Times of Israel, 22. Oktober 2025; IDI, 31 Oktober 2025). Die gesetzlichen Bestimmungen, die eine allgemeine Befreiung ultraorthodoxer religiöser Seminaristen ermöglicht hätten, seien indes im Juni 2023 ausgelaufen (The Times of Israel, 19. November 2025), doch habe die Regierung ihnen in der Praxis weiterhin gestattet, keinen Wehrdienst zu leisten. Im Juni 2024 habe der Oberste Gerichtshof jedoch entschieden, dass mangels einer aktuellen gesetzlichen Ausnahmeregelung (CBC News, 26. Juni 2024; The Times of Israel, 29. Oktober 2025) die Wehrpflicht auch für Ultraorthodoxe zu gelten habe (Al Jazeera, 25. Juni 2024; Die Zeit, 15. Juli 2025) und die IDF somit verpflichtet seien, mit der Einberufung ultraorthodoxer Seminaristen zu beginnen (The Times of Israel, 19. November 2025). Daraufhin hätten die IDF zunächst die Einberufung von jährlich rund 3.000 ultraorthodoxen Juden angekündigt. Anfang Juli 2025 hätten sie schließlich erklärt, 54.000 ultraorthodoxe Seminarstudenten einziehen und noch im selben Monat mit den Einberufungen beginnen zu wollen (Die Zeit, 15. Juli 2025). Bis November 2025 seien jedoch nur wenige Seminaristen (nur 2,3 Prozent aller Wehrpflichtigen innerhalb dieser Gruppe) zum Wehrdienst eingezogen worden. Am 19. November 2025 habe der Oberste Gerichtshof in einer weiteren Entscheidung die mangelnde Umsetzung der gesetzlichen Vorgaben kritisiert und die Regierung dazu angewiesen, wirksame Maßnahmen gegen ultraorthodoxe Seminaristen zu setzen, die Einberufungsbefehlen der IDF nicht nachkämen. So habe das Gericht der Regierung angeordnet, so bald wie möglich Strafverfahren gegen rechtlich als Wehrdienstverweigerer eingestufte ultraorthodoxe Männer einzuleiten und außerdem innerhalb von 45 Tagen zivile und wirtschaftliche Maßnahmen zu erarbeiten, denen hohe Erfolgschancen bei der Einziehung all jener eingeräumt werden könnten, die sich weigern würden, Einberufungsbefehlen nachzukommen (The Times of Israel, 19. November 2025).

Zugleich berate der Ausschuss für auswärtige Angelegenheiten und Verteidigung der Knesset seit 2022 über ein neues Gesetzesvorhaben der Regierung, das die Einziehung ultraorthodoxer Juden zum Wehrdienst sowie Ausnahmeregelungen für diese Gruppe zum Gegenstand habe. Der Gesetzesentwurf sei bereits 2022 in erster Lesung verabschiedet worden. Im Juni 2024 habe die Knesset die sogenannte Kontinuitätsregel angewandt, damit der Entwurf nachträglich geändert werden und zur Abstimmung in zweiter und dritter Lesung vorgelegt werden könne, ohne dass das Gesetzgebungsverfahren wieder von vorne aufgenommen werden müsse (IDI, 31. Oktober 2025). Laut einer Stellungnahme der in Jerusalem ansässigen parteiunabhängigen Denkfabrik Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) von Ende Oktober 2025 sehe der Entwurf („Bismuth-Entwurf“) nur ein niedriges Rekrutierungsziel und begrenzte Sanktionen vor und enthalte Schlupflöcher, die es ultraorthodoxen Männern weiterhin ermöglichen würden, ihren Wehrdienst so lange aufzuschieben, bis sie mit Vollendung des 26. Lebensjahres dauerhaft von der Wehrpflicht befreit seien. Für ultraorthodoxe Frauen sehe der Entwurf – anders als für ultraorthodoxe Männer und ähnlich wie für andere religiöse Frauen (siehe unten) – ein Recht auf Beantragung einer vollumfänglichen Befreiung vom Wehrdienst vor (IDI, 31. Oktober 2025).

Der jüngste überarbeitete Entwurf sei am 27. November 2025 der Knesset vorgelegt worden. Laut der Nachrichtenagentur Agence France-Presse (AFP) sehe dieser Entwurf nur minimale Strafen für ultraorthodoxe Wehrdienstverweigerer vor, insbesondere ein Verbot von Auslandsreisen und die Verweigerung der Ausstellung eines Führerscheins. Zudem würden gemäß diesem Entwurf Wehrdienstbefreiungen für ultraorthodoxe Seminaristen erleichtert (AFP, 29. November 2025). Bestimmungen aus einem früheren Entwurf, die sicherstellen sollten, dass als Seminaristen registrierte Personen sich tatsächlich ihrem Studium widmeten, würden sich im aktuellen Entwurf nicht mehr finden. Ferner sehe der Entwurf vor, dass alle Sanktionen gegen Wehrdienstverweigerer aufgehoben würden, sobald die betreffende Person das 26. Lebensjahr vollendet habe. Der Entwurf sei nach seiner Veröffentlichung stark vonseiten der Opposition kritisiert worden, aus deren Sicht er der Bewahrung des Status quo diene, unter dem die überwiegende Mehrheit der ultraorthodoxen Männer keinen Wehrdienst leiste (The Times of Israel, 27. November 2025). Die Times of Israel berichtet, dass zu Beginn der parlamentarischen Debatten über diesen Entwurf am 1. Dezember 2025 das Gesetzesvorhaben von vielen Seiten stark kritisiert worden sei (The Times of Israel, 1. Dezember 2025).

Alternativen zum Wehrdienst

Religiöse jüdische Frauen und andere vom Wehrdienst befreite Personen (Ynet, 8. März 2025), darunter solche, die aus gesundheitlichen Gründen oder Gewissensgründen befreit oder aus dem laufenden Wehrdienst entlassen worden seien (Belong, 7. Dezember 2023), hätten die Möglichkeit, sich für einen alternativen „Nationaldienst“ (Sherut Leumi) zu entscheiden (Ynet, 8. März 2025; The Indian Express, 24. Juni 2025). Personen, die den Wehrdienst aus Gewissensgründen (Pazifismus) verweigerten, würde jedoch die Möglichkeit eines alternativen zivilen Dienstes von den Behörden immer wieder verweigert (AI, 30. September 2025).

Dieser freiwillige Dienst umfasse in der Regel gemeinnützige Tätigkeiten in Krankenhäusern, Schulen und Wohlfahrtsorganisationen. Der Nationaldienst dauere ein bis zwei Jahre und sei weithin als zivile Alternative zum Wehrdienst anerkannt (Easy Aliyah, 29. Oktober 2024). Der Nationaldienst werde typischerweise von religiösen jüdischen Frauen ausgeübt (Ynet, 8. März 2025; JP, 17. März 2024).

Alternativdienste für religiöse Männer seien weniger üblich (Easy Aliyah, 29. Oktober 2024) und nur eine geringe Anzahl von Männern nehme am Nationaldienst teil (Ynet, 8. März 2025). Jedoch sei es für orthodoxe Männer zuweilen möglich, aufgrund von Sondervereinbarungen mit den IDF gewisse nicht kampfbezogene oder zivile Tätigkeiten zugeteilt zu bekommen (Easy Aliyah, 29. Oktober 2024).

Sanktionen bei Wehrdienstverweigerung

Der Umgang der IDF mit Wehrdienstverweigerung, wie sie häufig aus politischen und Gewissensgründen erfolge, sei uneinheitlich und die Konsequenzen in solchen Fällen unterschiedlich (The Indian Express, 24. Juni 2025).

Amnesty International (AI) verweist auf eine Reihe von Fällen, in denen Personen, die den Wehrdienst seit dem 7. Oktober 2023 aus moralischen Gründen (aus Ablehnung von Israels Vorgehen in Gaza) verweigert hätten, mit Gefängnisstrafen konfrontiert worden seien (AI, 30. September 2025; WRI, 2025). So spricht etwa ein Artikel von BBC News vom Dezember 2024 von acht Personen, die den Wehrdienst verweigert und die Haftstrafen in Militärgefängnissen verbüßt hätten. Wie im Artikel betont wird, würden Wehrdienstverweigernde mit härteren Sanktionen belangt als Reservist·innen, die sich dem Dienst in den IDF verweigern würden (BBC News, 3. Dezember 2024).

Wehrdienstverweigerernde aus Gewissensgründen könnten aufgrund ein und desselben Vergehens mehrmals verurteilt und inhaftiert werden (AI, 30. September 2025). In diesem Zusammenhang berichten Quellen über Personen, die wegen wiederholter Verweigerung des Wehrdienstes zu kurz aufeinander folgenden Haftstrafen verurteilt worden seien (AI, 20. März 2025; The Guardian, 23. Jänner 2024; siehe auch The Indian Express, 24. Juni 2025), darunter Haftstrafen von einer Dauer von jeweils 30 Tagen (The Guardian, 23. Jänner 2024). Wie die britische Zeitung The Guardian berichtet, gebe es keine Regelung, die vorgebe, wie lange solche Zyklen aus Freilassungen und erneuten Inhaftierungen dauern sollten. Häufig würden Wehrdienstverweigernde insgesamt 100 oder mehr Tage in Haft verbringen, bevor sie schließlich von den IDF als untauglich eingestuft würden (The Guardian, 23. Jänner 2024). In anderen Fällen wiederum würden Wehrdienstverweigernde direkt zu einem Komitee der IDF geschickt, vor dem sie sich zu ihren Überzeugungen äußern müssten (The Indian Express, 24. Juni 2025).

Situation von Rückkehrer·innen und Einwanderer·innen

Auch israelische Staatsangehörige, die im Ausland leben würden, seien nach dem Wehrpflichtgesetz verpflichtet, im Alter von 16,5 Jahren bei den IDF-Behörden ihren Status im Hinblick auf die Wehrpflicht feststellen zu lassen. Im Fall des Bestehens einer Wehrpflicht, könne sich die betreffende Person bei der jeweiligen diplomatischen bzw. konsularischen Vertretung entsprechend registrieren lassen. Bei der Registrierung könne eine Aufschiebung des Antritts des Wehrdienstes beantragt werden (Ministerium für auswärtige Angelegenheiten (Israel), 7. Oktober 2021). Jedoch würden israelische Staatsangehörige mit legalem Aufenthalt im Ausland unter Umständen für eine Befreiung vom Wehrdienst in Betracht kommen und könnten einen entsprechenden Antrag stellen. Über die Gewährung einer solchen Befreiung werde auf individueller Basis entschieden, wobei Faktoren wie Alter, Dauer des Aufenthalts im Ausland und Gründe für den Aufenthalt im Ausland Berücksichtigung finden könnten (Aliyah Pro, 30. November 2025).

Jüd·innen, die im Rahmen eines sogenannten „Aliyah“-Verfahrens, das den Erwerb der israelischen Staatsbürgerschaft beinhalte (JP, 30. November 2025), nach Israel eingewandert seien, müssten im Alter von 18 bis 19 Jahren einen Wehrdienst von regulärer Dauer (32 Monate für Männer, 24 Monate für Frauen) ableisten (Decker, Pex, Levi Law Office, 27. November 2024). Eingewanderte Männer und Frauen im Alter von 20 bis 21 Jahren müssten indes unabhängig von ihrem Heiratsstatus einen 24-monatigen Wehrdienst ableisten, sofern sie keine Kinder hätten (IDF, 14. November 2023). Schwangere Frauen seien von der Wehrpflicht ausgenommen. Gleiches gelte für verheiratete Männer ab Vollendung des 22. Lebensjahres und für verheiratete Frauen ab Vollendung des 21. Lebensjahres (Decker, Pex, Levi Law Office, 27. November 2024). Verheiratete Männer und Frauen, die mindestens ein Kind hätten, seien unabhängig vom Alter ebenfalls vom Wehrdienst befreit (IDF, 14. November 2023; siehe auch Aliyah Pro, 30. November 2025).

Laut Angaben von Easy Aliyah, einem israelischen Unternehmen, das organisatorische Unterstützung bei der Einwanderung von Angehörigen der jüdischen Diaspora nach Israel anbietet, seien eingewanderte Männer ab Vollendung des 26. Lebensjahres und Frauen ab Vollendung des 24. Lebensjahres generell vom Wehrdienst ausgenommen. Jüngere Personen, die bald diese Altersgrenze erreichen würden, könnten anstelle des regulären Wehrdienstes für einen kürzeren, nicht kampfbezogenen Dienst in Betracht kommen (Easy Aliyah, 29. Oktober 2024). Einwanderer·innen, die zum Zeitpunkt ihrer Ankunft in Israel das 28. Lebensjahr vollendet hätten, seien vom Wehrdienst befreit und könnten auch keinen Freiwilligendienst mehr in den IDF leisten (IDF, 14. November 2023; Decker, Pex, Levi Law Office, 27. November 2024).

Eine Ausnahme hiervon gelte lediglich für medizinische Fachkräfte (Decker, Pex, Levi Law Office, 27. November 2024). Das Datum der Ankunft werde festgesetzt, sobald sich eine Person über einen Zeitraum von mehr als vier aufeinanderfolgenden Monaten (mit allenfalls kurzen Unterbrechungen) oder über eine Dauer von 180 Tagen in Israel aufgehalten habe (IDF, 14. November 2023).

Israelis, die im Ausland geboren oder noch vor Vollendung des 16. Lebensjahres aus Israel emigriert seien, hätten die Möglichkeit, sich bei der israelischen Vertretung ihres Wohnortes einen offiziellen Rechtsstatus zuerkennen zu lassen, der es ihnen erlaube, sich bis zu 120 Tage im Jahr in Israel aufzuhalten, ohne zum Militär einberufen zu werden. Personen, die ihren Rechtsstatus nicht auf diese Weise angepasst hätten oder erst nach Vollendung des 16. Lebensjahres emigriert seien, seien wehrpflichtig und könnten bei ihrer Ankunft in Israel festgenommen werden (New Profile, ohne Datum).

Einwanderer·innen mit Doppelstaatsbürgerschaft seien nicht von der Wehrpflicht befreit. Auch der frühere Dienst in einer ausländischen Armee führe nicht zu einer gänzlichen Befreiung von der Wehrpflicht. Wandere eine Person nach Ableistung ihres Dienstes in den Streitkräften ihres Herkunftslandes noch im wehrpflichtigen Alter nach Israel ein, so verkürze sich die Dauer des Wehrdienstes in den IDF entsprechend der in der ausländischen Armee abgeleisteten Dienstzeit. Eine Verkürzung der Wehrdienstdauer müsse durch ein Sonderkomitee bewilligt werden (Decker, Pex, Levi Law Office, 27. November 2024).

Laut der Rechtsanwaltskanzlei Decker, Pex, Levi Law Office würden für eingewanderte Israelis dieselben Befreiungsgründe von der Wehrpflicht gelten wie für in Israel geborene Staatsangehörige (Decker, Pex, Levi Law Office, 27. November 2024).

2)     Reservedienst

Allgemeine Informationen

Laut einem Dokument des Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) vom März 2024 ende die Pflicht, Reservedienst zu leisten, nach geltender Gesetzeslage für gewöhnliche Soldat·innen mit 40, für Offizier·innen mit 45 und für Personen, die einer Sonderanordnung des Verteidigungsministers unterliegen würden, mit 49 Jahren (IDI, 20. März 2024, S. 3; siehe auch The Times of Israel, 22. August 2025). In die letztgenannte Kategorie würden Personen fallen, die bestimmte Funktionen wie z. B. als Fahrer·innen (The Times of Israel, 22. August 2025), Ärzt·innen oder Besatzungsmitglieder von Luftfahrzeugen ausüben würden (The Times of Israel, 25. Juni 2024). Von der Einziehung in den Reservedienst seien auch Frauen betroffen (siehe z. B. JP, 7. Februar 2024).

Die maximale Dauer des Reservedienstes betrage laut Gesetz für gewöhnliche Soldaten und Soldatinnen 54 Tage innerhalb eines Dreijahreszeitraums (im Durchschnitt 18 Tage pro Jahr), für Unteroffizier·innen 70 Tage innerhalb eines Dreijahreszeitraums (im Durchschnitt 23,3 Tage pro Jahr) und für Offizier·innen 84 Tage innerhalb eines Dreijahreszeitraums (im Durchschnitt 28 Tage pro Jahr). Die maximale Dauer des Reservedienstes für operationelle Aktivitäten betrage unabhängig vom Dienstgrad 25 Tage alle drei Jahre. Die maximale Reservedienstdauer für Personen in Funktionen und Berufsgruppen, die vom Verteidigungsminister spezifiziert und vom Knesset-Ausschuss für auswärtige Angelegenheiten und Verteidigung genehmigt worden seien, liege bei 108 Tagen innerhalb eines Dreijahreszeitraums (im Durchschnitt 36 Tage pro Jahr) (IDI, 20. März 2024, S. 3).

Bereits im Jahr 2023 sei eine Verordnung zur vorübergehenden Anhebung des Höchstalters für Reservist·innen um jeweils ein Jahr erlassen worden (The Times of Israel, 25. Juni 2024). Diese Verordnung sei Ende Februar 2024 um vier Monate (The Times of Israel, 29. Februar 2024) bis 30. Juni 2024 und im Juni 2024 um weitere drei Monate bis 30. September 2024 verlängert worden (JP, 16. Juni 2024). In den ACCORD derzeit zur Verfügung stehenden Quellen konnten im Rahmen der zeitlich begrenzten Recherche keine Informationen zu etwaigen weiteren Verlängerungen dieser Verordnung gefunden werden.

Zugleich werde in einem Vorschlag der Regierung von Anfang 2024 zur Novellierung des Reservedienstgesetzes sowohl eine Anhebung der Altersgrenze für Befreiungen (für gewöhnliche Soldat·innen auf 45 Jahre, für Offizier·innen auf 49 Jahre und bei Vorliegen einer Sonderanordnung des Verteidigungsministers auf 52 Jahre) als auch eine erhebliche Verlängerung der Dauer des jährlich zu leistenden Reservedienstes gefordert. Letztere solle demnach für gewöhnliche Soldat·innen auf 42 Tage pro Jahr, für Unteroffizier·innen auf 48 Tage pro Jahr, für Offizier·innen auf 55 Tage pro Jahr und im Fall von operationellen Aktivitäten von 25 Tagen alle drei Jahre auf 40 Tage pro Jahr verlängert werden (IDI, 20. März 2024, S. 1 und 3-4).

Zudem habe die Regierung einen Gesetzesantrag zur Anhebung des Höchstalters um jeweils ein Jahr im Sinne der oben genannten temporären Verordnung eingebracht. Dieser sei im Juni 2024 in der Knesset in erster Lesung verabschiedet worden (The Times of Israel, 25. Juni 2024). In den ACCORD derzeit zur Verfügung stehenden Quellen konnten im Rahmen der zeitlich begrenzten Recherche keine aktuelleren Informationen zu diesem Gesetzesvorhaben gefunden werden.

Befreiung vom Reservedienst

Vor 2020 seien zahlreiche Befreiungen von der Pflicht zum Reservedienst gewährt worden (Israel National News, 9. Juni 2025), wobei die Zahl der Israelis, die solche Befreiungen erhalten hätten, nicht genau bekannt sei. Als Gründe für die Zuerkennung solcher Befreiungen werden medizinische, psychische und familiäre Umstände genannt (TPS-IL, 30. September 2025).

Medizinische, familiäre sowie persönliche Gründe seien auch im Rahmen von Berufungen gegen Entscheidungen der IDF zur Annullierung von Befreiungen vom Reservedienst, die seit dem 7. Oktober 2023 vermehrt ausgesprochen worden seien, von den Betroffenen geltend gemacht worden (Yaffa News Network, 17. September 2025). Ähnlich hätten Personen, die (unabhängig von einer zuvor gewährten Befreiung) ihre Einziehung in den Reservedienst verweigert oder eine Aufschiebung beantragt hätten, als Begründung Krankheit, Verletzung sowie Sorgen um ihre privaten Beziehungen oder unternehmerischen Tätigkeiten angeführt (The Guardian, 2. September 2025).

Sanktionen bei Verweigerung

In Fällen von Verweigerung des Reservedienstes würden Haftstrafen drohen. Wie ein Artikel der US-Nachrichtenagentur Associated Press (AP) vom September 2025 bemerkt, seien Haftstrafen aktuell jedoch nur in einigen wenigen Fällen verhängt worden (AP, 12. September 2025). So wurde im August 2025 über den Fall eines Offiziers der Reserve berichtet, der wegen Verweigerung seiner Einziehung in das Militär zu einer 25-tägigen Haftstrafe in einem Militärgefängnis verurteilt worden sei (AA, 29. August 2025). Nach Angaben eines im Dezember 2024 von BBC News zitierten Vertreters einer Gruppe von Reservist·innen und Berufssoldat·innen, die den Dienst im Militär verweigert oder eine solche Verweigerung angedroht hätten, habe die Regierung jedoch – anders als im Fall von Wehrdienstverweigernden – bislang auf ein hartes Vorgehen gegen solche Reservist·innen verzichtet (BBC News, 3. Dezember 2024).

Reservedienstpflichtige Rückkehrer aus dem Ausland

Der Aufenthalt an einem Wohnsitz außerhalb Israels führe nicht automatisch zur Befreiung von der Pflicht zum Reservedienst. Allerdings könne der israelische Staat niemanden, der sich im Ausland aufhalte, mit Zwang zum Reservedienst einziehen. Um diesbezügliche Probleme im Fall einer Rückkehr zu vermeiden, rät die Rechtsanwaltskanzlei Reservist·innen im Ausland an, ihre Reserveeinheit über ihren Umzug ins Ausland zu informieren und eine Befreiung vom Dienst oder eine Verkürzung oder Aufschiebung ihrer Dienstpflicht zu beantragen (Decker, Pex, Levi Law Office, 5. Dezember 2024). In den ACCORD derzeit zur Verfügung stehenden Quellen konnten im Rahmen der zeitlich begrenzten Recherche keine weiteren Informationen zu dieser Fragestellung gefunden werden.

Einziehung aus dem Reservedienst zu Kampfhandlungen

Reservist·innen seien auch im Rahmen von Kampfhandlungen in Gaza im Einsatz gewesen. Wie jedoch im Juni 2025 berichtet wurde, seien bisher in Gaza tätige die Reserveeinheiten zunehmend durch reguläre Einheiten ersetzt worden (Ynet, 11. Juni 2025). Im August 2025 hätten die IDF angekündigt, mit Blick auf die nächste Phase einer im Mai des Jahres begonnenen Bodenoffensive in Gaza rund 60.000 weitere Reservist·innen einziehen zu wollen (BBC News, 2. September 2025). Jedoch sei nicht vorgesehen, dass alle Reservist·innen für die Operation zur Eroberung von Gaza-Stadt eingesetzt würden (The Times of Israel, 20. August 2025). Laut israelischen Medien würden viele der Reservist·innen im Westjordanland und in Nordisrael eingesetzt werden, um dort stationierte, sich im aktiven Dienst befindliche Soldat·innen für den bevorstehenden Einsatz freizustellen (BBC News, 2. September 2025).

Quellen: (Zugriff auf alle Quellen am 3. Dezember 2025)

·      AA – Anadolu Agency: Exhausted Israeli reservists skip duty amid Gaza occupation plans: Report, 29. August 2025
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/exhausted-israeli-reservists-skip-duty-amid-gaza-occupation-plans-report/3672227

·      AFP – Agence France-Presse: Ultra-Orthodox military conscription row reignites in Israel, 29. November 2025 (verfügbar auf Factiva)

·      AI - Amnesty International: “I couldn’t wear a uniform that symbolizes killing and oppression” – Israeli activist who refuses to serve in the Israeli army, 20. März 2025
https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2025/03/i-couldnt-wear-a-uniform-that-symbolizes-killing-and-oppression-israeli-activist-who-refuses-to-serve-in-the-israeli-army/

·      AI – Amnesty International: Urgent Action: Israel: Release Conscientious Objector, 30. September 2025
https://www.amnesty.org/en/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MDE1503542025ENGLISH.pdf

·      Aliyah Pro: IDF Exemptions and Deferrals: A Comprehensive Guide, 30. November 2025
https://www.aliyahpro.com/blog/idf-exemptions-and-deferrals-a-comprehensive-guide

·      Al Jazeera: Israel’s Supreme Court orders conscription for ultra-Orthodox men, 25. Juni 2024
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/6/25/israels-supreme-court-orders-conscription-for-ultra-orthodox-men

·      AP – Associated Press: Israeli soldiers, and their mothers, increasingly reject calls to return to Gaza, 12. September 2025
https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-soldiers-reservists-refuse-3b0fb328e2691f71332056cd418ffef3

·      BBC News: Why these Israeli men volunteered to fight - but now refuse to return to Gaza, 3. Dezember 2024
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5yx56ep165o

·      BBC News: Thousands of Israeli reservists report for duty ahead of Gaza City offensive, 2. September 2025
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cyvnv5lv4zpo

·      Belong: Military and National Service in Israel, 7. Dezember 2023
https://belong.co.il/living/idf-and-national-service/

·      CBC News: Israel's Supreme Court rules military draft must include ultra-Orthodox men, 26. Juni 2024
https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/israel-court-orthodox-conscription-1.7245588

·      CIA – Central Intelligence Agency: Military service age and obligation – Israel, 2021
https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/archives/2021/field/military-service-age-and-obligation/

·      Decker, Pex, Levi Law Office: Which Olim Hadashim are required to serve in the IDF and which are exempt?, 27. November 2024
https://lawoffice.org.il/en/idf-service-for-immigrants-to-israel/

·      Decker, Pex, Levi Law Office: The Rights and Duties of Israeli Residents Abroad, 5. Dezember 2024
https://lawoffice.org.il/en/israeli-residents-staying-abroad/#post_section_10

·      Easy Aliyah: How To Make Aliyah And Avoid IDF Enlistment, 29. Oktober 2024
https://www.easyaliyah.com/blog/how-to-make-aliyah-and-avoid-idf-enlistment

·      Encyclopaedia Britannica: Israel Defense Forces, zuletzt aktualisiert am 23. November 2025
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Israel-Defense-Forces

·      Guardian (The): ‘More killing won’t bring back lost lives’: Tal Mitnick, 18, on going to prison instead of joining IDF, 23. Jänner 2024
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/23/israel-man-jailed-refuse-serve-idf-military-tal-mitnick-interview

·      Guardian (The): We are dying for no reason’: Israeli reservists face fresh call-up for a war dividing their nation, 2. September 2025
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/sep/02/we-are-dying-for-no-reason-israeli-reservists-face-fresh-call-up-for-a-war-dividing-their-nation

·      IDF – Israel Defense Forces: The Duration of a New Immigrant's Military Service, 14. November 2023
https://www.mitgaisim.idf.il/%D7%9B%D7%AA%D7%91%D7%95%D7%AA/english/exclusive-service/the-duration-of-a-new-immigrants-military-service/

·      IDF – Israel Defense Forces: Our Soldiers, ohne Datum
https://www.idf.il/en/mini-sites/our-soldiers/

·      IDI – Israel Democracy Institute: Military Service Law and Reserve Service Law Amendments (extension of mandatory and reserve service period): Legal Opinion, 20. März 2024
https://en.idi.org.il/media/23442/final-military-service-law-professional-opinion-for-website.pdf

·      IDI – Israel Democracy Institute: The Bismuth Outline for the Draft Exemption Law, 31. Oktober 2025
https://en.idi.org.il/articles/61994

·      Indian Express (The): All about Israel’s mandatory armed service for men and women, 24. Juni 2025
https://indianexpress.com/article/world/conscription-israel-mandatory-armed-service-men-women-10085690/

·      Israel National News: IDF recruits 14,500 holders of draft exemption to bolster reserve forces, 9. Juni 2025
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/409690

·      JP –Jerusalem Post (The): One-third of IDF reservists from Tel Aviv University are women, 7. Februar 2024
https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-785580

·      JP - Jerusalem Post (The): Mandatory Sherut Leumi for haredim will make things worse – opinion, 17. März 2024
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-791572

·      JP – Jerusalem Post (The): Government extends age cutoff for IDF reserve duty amid heavy criticism, 16. Juni 2024
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-806478

·      JP - Jerusalem Post (The): Knesset debates bill to lengthen mandatory IDF service to 36 months, 7. August 2024
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-813773

·      JP – The Jerusalem Post (The): Aliyah, 30. November 2025
https://www.jpost.com/tags/aliyah

·      Knesset (Israel), Approved in first reading: Extension of compulsory military service for men to 36 months, until 2029, 18. Juli 2024
https://main.knesset.gov.il/en/news/pressreleases/pages/press18724r.aspx

·      Ministerium für auswärtige Angelegenheiten (Israel): Handling of matters relating to the Israel Defense Forces, 7. Oktober 2021
https://www.gov.il/en/pages/israel-defense-forces

·      New Profile: Types of exemption from military service, ohne Datum
https://newprofile.org/en/types-of-exemption-from-military-service/

·      PBS – Public Broadcasting Service: Israel’s highest court orders army to end draft exemption for ultra-Orthodox men, 25. Juni 2024
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/israels-highest-court-orders-army-to-end-draft-exemption-for-ultra-orthodox-men

·      Pew Research Center: 5 facts about Israeli Druze, a unique religious and ethnic group, 21. März 2016
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2016/03/21/5-facts-about-israeli-druze-a-unique-religious-and-ethnic-group/

·      SFS – Georgetown Journal of International Affairs: The Druze Community in Israel: A Model of Minority Integration, 21. April 2025
https://gjia.georgetown.edu/2025/04/21/the-druze-community-in-israel-a-model-of-minority-integration/

·      Times of Israel (The): Knesset extends temporary measure upping age limit for end of IDF reserve service, 29. Februar 2024
https://www.timesofisrael.com/knesset-extends-temporary-measure-upping-age-limit-for-end-of-idf-reserve-service/

·      Times of Israel (The): Knesset passes first reading of bill that raises retirement age for IDF reservists, 25. Juni 2024
https://www.timesofisrael.com/knesset-passes-first-reading-of-bill-that-raises-retirement-age-for-idf-reservists/

·      Times of Israel (The): 60,000 IDF reservists to be called up in coming days ahead of Gaza City takeover, 20. August 2025
https://www.timesofisrael.com/60k-reservists-set-to-receive-call-up-orders-in-coming-days-ahead-of-gaza-city-takeover/

·      Times of Israel (The): Reporting back for duty: Older reservists step up in Israel’s time of need, 22. August 2025
https://www.timesofisrael.com/reporting-back-for-duty-older-reservists-step-up-in-israels-time-of-need/

·      Times of Israel (The): Bismuth says law regulating ultra-Orthodox conscription will be passed in December, 22. Oktober 2025
https://www.timesofisrael.com/bismuth-says-law-regulating-ultra-orthodox-conscription-will-be-passed-in-december/

·      Times of Israel (The): High Court prods government for ‘stronger enforcement’ against Haredi draft evaders, 29. Oktober 2025
https://www.timesofisrael.com/high-court-prods-government-for-stronger-enforcement-against-haredi-draft-evaders/

·      Times of Israel (The): High Court gives government 45 days to draw up sanctions for Haredi draft dodgers, 19. November 2025
https://www.timesofisrael.com/high-court-gives-government-45-days-to-draw-up-sanctions-for-haredi-draft-dodgers/

·      Times of Israel (The): Bismuth presents bill exempting yeshiva students from IDF draft, loosening sanctions, 27. November 2025
https://www.timesofisrael.com/bismuth-presents-bill-exempting-yeshiva-students-from-idf-draft-loosening-sanctions/

·      Times of Israel (The): Coalition MKs tear into Haredi draft exemption bill, throwing it into uncertainty, 1. Dezember 2025
https://www.timesofisrael.com/coalition-mks-tear-into-haredi-draft-exemption-bill-throwing-it-into-uncertainty/

·      TPS-IL – Tazpit Press Service: Exemptions in the Spotlight Amid High Holiday Strain on Israeli Reservists’ Families, 30. September 2025
https://tps.co.il/articles/exemptions-in-the-spotlight-amid-high-holiday-strain-on-israeli-reservists-families/

·      USDOS - US Department of State: 2023 Report on International Religious Freedom: Israel, West Bank and Gaza: Israel, 26. Juni 2024
https://www.ecoi.net/de/dokument/2111884.html

·      WRI – War Resisters’ International: Israel: Solidarity with refusers in prison, 2025
https://wri-irg.org/en/programmes/rrtk/co-action-alert/2025/israel-solidarity-refusers-prison

·      Yaffa News Network: The occupation army cancels tens of thousands of exemptions and calls up reserves, 17. September 2025
https://yaffaps.com/en/page-46155.html

·      Ynet, Mossad launches first public recruitment drive for national service women, 8. März 2025
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b1jliypwgx

·      Ynet: Israel begins immediate mass demobilization of reservist forces across all fronts, 11. Juni 2025
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r1eaowqjwg

·      Zeit (Die): Ultraorthodoxe wollen Regierung wegen Wehrpflichtgesetz verlassen, 15. Juli 2025
https://www.zeit.de/politik/ausland/2025-07/benjamin-netanjahu-israel-ultraorthodoxe-regierung-austritt

 

Anhang: Quellenbeschreibungen und Informationen aus ausgewählten Quellen

Anadolu Agency (AA) ist eine staatliche türkische Nachrichtenagentur.

AA – Anadolu Agency: Exhausted Israeli reservists skip duty amid Gaza occupation plans: Report, 29. August 2025
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/exhausted-israeli-reservists-skip-duty-amid-gaza-occupation-plans-report/3672227

„Initially, reservist turnout exceeded 100% as volunteers rushed to join the fight. However, prolonged conflict has created mounting personal pressures, with soldiers citing strained marriages, career difficulties and mental health concerns.

Beyond logistical challenges, some reservists have begun refusing service on ideological grounds, arguing the war has lost direction or it is ‘no longer just.’ Reserve Captain Ron Feiner received a 25-day military prison sentence for refusing deployment, stating the government was prolonging the war ‘even if it means leaving the hostages behind.’

The situation is further complicated by government exemptions for ultra-Orthodox religious students from conscription, creating resentment among repeatedly deployed reservists, who view this as unfair burden-sharing.” (AA, 29. August 2025)

Agence France-Presse ist eine internationale Nachrichtenagentur.

·      AFP – Agence France-Presse: Ultra-Orthodox military conscription row reignites in Israel, 29. November 2025 (verfügbar auf Factiva)

„A new draft law on conscripting ultra-Orthodox Jews, whose support is crucial for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, has sparked uproar in Israel, with the opposition denouncing it as a special privilege for ‘draft-dodgers’.

Under a ruling established at the time of Israel's creation in 1948, men who devote themselves full-time to studying sacred Jewish texts are given a de facto pass from mandatory military service.

But this exemption has come under mounting scrutiny from the rest of Israeli society -- particularly when tens of thousands of conscripts and reservists are mobilised on several fronts, despite the fragile truce halting the war in Gaza. The ultra-Orthodox make up 14 percent of Israel's Jewish population.

Keeping ultra-Orthodox parties on board is key to the survival of Netanyahu's right-wing coalition, and their opposition to mandatory military service proposals sparked a mass rally in Jerusalem in October.

Two ultra-Orthodox parties rejected a draft bill in July that would have seen an increasing number of ultra-Orthodox men enlisted each year, and financial penalties for those who refuse to comply.

On Thursday, a new draft was put forward by Boaz Bismuth, the chairman of parliament's cross-party foreign affairs and defence committee, which rolls back significantly from the previous text.

The new proposal includes only minimal penalties for ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers, notably a ban on travelling abroad or obtaining a driving licence.

It also lowers enlistment quotas and facilitates exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men who study in religious seminaries known as yeshivas. Lawmakers will debate the text on Monday.

The centre-right Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper ran a front-page headline on Friday reading ‘Conscription on paper only’, denouncing ‘an obvious fraud’. ‘The new 'conscription' law will not recruit anyone,’ it read. Bismuth has called the bill ‘balanced’ and ‘responsible’. […]

The opposition has slammed the latest draft bill, believing it is too soft, and is vowing to bring it down. Opposition leader Yair Lapid called the text an ‘anti-Zionist disgrace’ on X, denouncing the ‘contemptible politics of the corrupt and the draft-dodgers’. ‘This law is a declaration of war by the government on the reservists,’ said former prime minister Naftali Bennett, who is expected to run against Netanyahu in elections due by November 2026. […]

On November 19, Israel's Supreme Court ruled that the government was required to present an effective proposal for conscripting the ultra-Orthodox.

The ruling notes that the ‘flagrant inequality’ created by their exemption has ‘worsened significantly’ with the war in Gaza, triggered by Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. It also says ultra-Orthodox conscription fills a ‘real security need’ as the army requires about 12,000 soldiers to fill its ranks. The court did not set a deadline for the adoption of a conscription law, but only for a debate on the issue in parliament.” (AFP, 29. November 2025)

Amnesty International (AI) ist eine internationale Menschenrechtsorganisation mit Hauptsitz in London.

AI - Amnesty International: “I couldn’t wear a uniform that symbolizes killing and oppression” – Israeli activist who refuses to serve in the Israeli army, 20. März 2025
https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2025/03/i-couldnt-wear-a-uniform-that-symbolizes-killing-and-oppression-israeli-activist-who-refuses-to-serve-in-the-israeli-army/

„Itamar Greenberg is an 18-year-old Israeli conscientious objector who has been repeatedly jailed, and has served five consecutive sentences at Neve Tzedek military prison in Central Israel, for refusing to enlist in the Israeli army after being summoned for compulsory military service.“ (AI, 20. März 2025)

·      AI – Amnesty International: Urgent Action: Israel: Release Conscientious Objector, 30. September 2025
https://www.amnesty.org/en/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MDE1503542025ENGLISH.pdf

„18-year-old Yuval Peleg has been imprisoned since 10 August 2025 for refusing Israeli military service, citing moral opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza. He joined other objectors like Itamar Greenberg, Yuval Moav, Oryan Mueller, Ella Greenberg, Yona Roseman, Ayana Gerstman, Tal Mitnick and Sofia Orr, who also faced prison for refusing conscription since 7 October 2023. The conscientious objectors are supported by Mesarvot, a growing network that supports those opposing compulsory military service, especially on grounds of opposition to Israeli policies and practices against Palestinians. According to Mesarvot, more than 100 Israelis have refused military service on grounds of conscience since October 2023, but at least 15 have publicly disclosed their cases. Other conscientious objectors include Ben Arad, Iddo Elam, Soul Behar Tsalik, and Neta Lannes Arbel. The majority of conscientious objectors have remained private, fearing societal reprisals and other potential consequences. […]

Israeli citizens are legally required to enlist in the military at 18, serving for a period of 24 to 32 months. However, most Palestinians with Israeli citizenship, who make up nearly 21% of Israel population, are exempt from compulsory military service. For decades the Israeli army’s Conscience Committee could decide to allow exemption from military service, but this was usually granted only to those conscientious objectors who refuse to serve on religious grounds, like ultra-Orthodox Jews. However, on 25 June 2024, Israel's Supreme Court ruled that ultra-Orthodox Jewish seminary students must be drafted into the military, ending decades of exemption.

Even though Israeli law does allow for exemption on grounds of pacifism, the army’s Conscience Committee frequently rejects pacifists' cases. The authorities repeatedly deny objectors the possibility of performing alternative civilian service. Conscientious objectors in Israel can be convicted of and imprisoned for the same ‘offence’ repeatedly. In 2003, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention said that this practice flouts the rights of conscientious objectors under international human rights standards which prohibit “double jeopardy”.” (AI, 30. September 2025)

Aliyah Pro ist eine israelische Organisation, die kostenlose Unterstützung bei der Einwanderung von Angehörigen der jüdischen Diaspora nach Israel anbietet.

Aliyah Pro: IDF Exemptions and Deferrals: A Comprehensive Guide, 30. November 2025
https://www.aliyahpro.com/blog/idf-exemptions-and-deferrals-a-comprehensive-guide

„The exemption system operates under the Israeli Security Service Law, which grants specific authorities the power to make exemption decisions. According to section 36 of the Security Service Law, the security minister may exempt certain people from army service in the IDF, for reasons related to the volume of the military forces or reserve forces, or for reasons related to educational needs, settlement needs, security needs, economy needs, family needs and various other reasons. In accordance with section 5 of the Security Service Law, a medical board is authorized to determine if a candidate is unfit for national security service. This legal structure ensures that exemption decisions are made through established procedures with appropriate oversight and review mechanisms.

The IDF’s conscription laws only apply to three communities: the Jews, the Druze, and the Circassians. Both men and women are drafted from the Jewish community, whereas only men are drafted from the Druze and Circassian communities. This selective application means that exemption procedures and criteria may differ between communities. Additionally, Arab citizens of Israel (who constitute about 21% of the Israeli population) are also exempted from military service. This exemption does not originate via Israeli statutory law, but is instead based on the guidelines of the IDF Human Resource Department, issued under the IDF’s discretionary powers pursuant to the law. […]

Medical and Psychological Exemptions (Profile 21)

Medical exemption (“Profile 21”) is granted to those who were diagnosed with a medical or mental health condition which deems them unfit for military service. The exemption process might be tiring and long, but it usually doesn’t involve risks, such as imprisonment. The medical profile system uses a numerical scale from 21 (indicating the lowest level of fitness and resulting in automatic disqualification from IDF service) to 97 (representing peak fitness and enabling individuals to apply for any unit within the IDF). Profile 21 represents total unfitness for military service for health reasons (physical or mental).

The process for obtaining a medical exemption requires comprehensive documentation and evaluation. For mental health exemptions, individuals can meet with psychologists and ask for meeting summaries. If already being treated by a mental health professional, it’s best to ask for documentation, as a continuous therapeutic relationship might strengthen the value of the document. For youth designated for service, a letter from the school teacher or consultant may also help, though it might not be sufficient for securing an appointment with a military psychologist (Kaban). […]

Religious Exemptions

Religious exemptions represent one of the largest categories of non-service, particularly affecting Jewish women and ultra-Orthodox men. Female Jewish draftees can be exempt due to marriage, pregnancy, motherhood, or religious commitments, including observing dietary and Sabbath travel laws, in accordance with §39 and §40 of the Security Service Law. This type of exemption is granted to female candidates for service who declare they keep Kosher, avoid driving on Sabbat, and live religiously. The military usually checks the level of religiousness of the exemption seeker, especially if she comes from a non-religious background.

The ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) exemption system underwent dramatic changes in 2024. Under a special arrangement (Torato Umanuto), male Haredi students who were issued a draft notice could be granted a total exemption from service so long as they remained enrolled at their yeshiva for religious studies. In June 2024, Israel’s Supreme Court unanimously ruled that Haredi Jews were eligible for compulsory service, ending nearly eight decades of exemption. The army began drafting Haredi men the following month, fundamentally altering this long-standing arrangement.

As a result of concerns about fraudulent religious exemptions, the Israeli military tightened the way it handles cases in which Jewish women request an exemption on religious grounds, through investigating the truthfulness of their claims, in order to expose young women who lied about being religious. Common fraudulent practices include marrying with the sole purpose of receiving the exemption granted to all married women, without any intention of the actual realization of the marriage, displaying false medical certificates or pretending to be ill, and claiming religious observance while not actually being religious.

Exemptions for Marriage, Pregnancy, and Parenthood

Family status exemptions recognize the practical challenges of military service for individuals with significant family obligations. Married men older than 22 and married women older than 21 are often allowed not to serve if they have children. Some exemptions from conscription are based on the requirement to maintain family responsibilities, especially for parents of young children. Parental status also affects military service under conscription, as citizens who are parents of young children may be exempt from mandatory military duty.

For immigrants, family considerations play an important role in exemption determinations. Parents are generally excused from the obligation to join the IDF. The requirements may vary depending on the age of arrival in Israel and specific family circumstances. Additionally, certain requirements may apply to individuals who have reached the age cap for conscription but still have family obligations that prevent service.

Educational Deferrals and Professional Exemptions

Educational deferrals represent one of the most common and accepted forms of temporary exemption from military service. One of the most common reasons for deferral is the pursuit of higher education. The IDF allows individuals to delay their service to complete academic degrees, particularly in fields that align with national needs, such as medicine or engineering. These deferrals require enrollment in an accredited institution, academic performance that meets IDF requirements, and commitment to enlist upon completion of studies. […]

Exemptions for Criminal Records

Individuals with criminal records may be exempted from military service, though these cases are subject to review and individual assessment. The nature and severity of the criminal record, as well as its relevance to military service, are considered in making exemption decisions. Criminal record exemptions represented 4.7% of male non-participation in military service according to 2007 figures, indicating that this represents a significant but not overwhelming category of exemptions.

Conscientious Objection and Pacifist Exemptions

Israel recognizes conscientious objection as a legitimate ground for exemption, though the process is rigorous and few individuals receive exemptions on these grounds. This type of exemption is granted to candidates for service whose application to be recognized as pacifists was approved by the military’s own consciousness committee. This process of obtaining exemption might be long, and it is very much recommended to consult specialized counseling networks prior to initiating it.

Exemption from service is granted if the committee is persuaded that their pacifism is sincere and meets the agreed criteria. Only a few individuals each year are granted an exemption on grounds of pacifism; all other self-declared pacifists are required to enlist. The military prefers to discharge soldiers, including those who pretend to have psychological problems, as long as their discharge is not based on conscientious objection, suggesting that conscientious objection exemptions are viewed as more problematic by military authorities.

Expatriate Status and Living Abroad

Israeli citizens living abroad may be exempt from military service obligations, depending on certain circumstances and criteria. Israeli citizens living abroad who have formally established residency in another country may be eligible to request an exemption from military service. Exemptions are typically granted on a case-by-case basis and are subject to approval by the Israeli government. Factors such as the individual’s age, length of time living abroad, and the reasons for being overseas may all be taken into consideration when determining eligibility for exemption.

The Defense Service Law applies to every Israeli citizen living in Israel or abroad, including those who have additional citizenship, and those who are living abroad permanently. The obligation to perform regular military service applies to every man between the ages of 18 and 29 inclusive, and to every woman between the ages of 18 and 26 inclusive, who are fit for duty, except for physicians. Israeli citizens living abroad who are eligible for military service can use specific procedures to regularize their status to defer service with the Israel Defense Forces. […]

Alternative National Service (Sherut Leumi)

For individuals who are exempt from mandatory military service but wish to contribute to Israeli society, alternative service (Sherut Leumi) offers a pathway to national service. This service involves working in various sectors, including healthcare, education, social welfare, and environmental protection. Female draftees who state that they maintain a religious Jewish way of life are exempt from military service, and many of them choose to volunteer for an alternative national service called Sherut Leumi.

This alternative service provides a way for those who cannot or choose not to serve in the military to still contribute to national needs while respecting their personal circumstances or beliefs. The program has been particularly popular among religious women who wish to serve their country while maintaining their religious lifestyle and obligations.

Temporary Deferrals and Profile Classifications

The military medical profile system includes temporary classifications that may lead to deferrals rather than permanent exemptions. Profile 24 represents temporarily unfit for service (severe sensitivity to bee stings, temporary low BMI, anemia). The soldier gets a temporary exemption and gets monitored every few months with the possibility of raising his profile. This allows individuals with temporary health issues to potentially serve once their condition improves.

The draft process begins with a Tzav Rishon (first draft notice) sent to individuals at the age of 16.5. This notice marks the start of pre-draft evaluations, which include medical examinations and various assessments. This extended evaluation period allows for proper assessment of individual circumstances and determination of appropriate service classifications or exemptions.“ (Aliyah Pro, 30. November 2025)

Al Jazeera ist eine in Doha ansässige unabhängige Nachrichtenorganisation, die teilweise von der katarischen Regierung finanziert wird.

Al Jazeera: Israel’s Supreme Court orders conscription for ultra-Orthodox men, 25. Juni 2024
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/6/25/israels-supreme-court-orders-conscription-for-ultra-orthodox-men

„Israel’s Supreme Court has ruled unanimously that the military must begin drafting ultra-Orthodox men for military service. The ruling announced on Tuesday seeks to overturn a longstanding practice under which Jewish seminary students are exempt from conscription. 

The court said that in the absence of a law that distinguishes between Jewish seminary students and other draftees, Israel’s compulsory military service system applies to ultra-Orthodox men like any other citizen. Under longstanding arrangements, ultra-Orthodox men have been exempt from the draft. However, the court found that the state was carrying out ‘invalid selective enforcement’. That ‘represents a serious violation of the rule of law, and the principle according to which all individuals are equal before the law,’ the ruling read.

‘At the height of a difficult war, the burden of inequality is more than ever acute,’ it continued. The court did not say how many ultra-Orthodox men should be drafted. […]

Each year, roughly 13,000 ultra-Orthodox males reach the conscription age of 18, but fewer than 10 percent enlist, according to the Israeli parliament’s State Control Committee.” (Al Jazeera, 25. Juni 2024)

Associated Press (AP) ist eine Nachrichtenagentur mit Sitz in New York.

AP – Associated Press: Israeli soldiers, and their mothers, increasingly reject calls to return to Gaza, 12. September 2025
https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-soldiers-reservists-refuse-3b0fb328e2691f71332056cd418ffef3

„As Israel calls up tens of thousands of reservists for its invasion of Gaza City, a growing number of soldiers — and their mothers — are saying no.

There are no official figures, but newly formed groups are broadcasting their refusal to serve despite the risk of imprisonment. It’s a new phenomenon in the nearly two-year war sparked by Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack, though so far it has had no apparent effect on military operations. […]

A group known as Soldiers for Hostages says it represents more than 360 soldiers who refuse to serve. While the number remains small, it is a contrast from the early days of the war, when reservists rushed for duty in the wake of the Oct. 7 attack. Such refusal is punishable by imprisonment, but that has only happened in a handful of cases.” (AP, 12. September 2025)

BBC News ist eine Abteilung der British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) mit Hauptsitz in London.

BBC News: Why these Israeli men volunteered to fight - but now refuse to return to Gaza, 3. Dezember 2024
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5yx56ep165o

„Yuval is the co-organiser of a public letter signed by more than 165 - at the latest count - Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) reservists, and a smaller number of permanent soldiers, refusing to serve, or threatening to refuse, unless the hostages are returned - something that would require a ceasefire deal with Hamas.

In a country still traumatised by the worst violence in its history, those refusing for reasons of conscience are a minority in a military that includes around 465,000 reservists. […]

The refusers have attracted some hostility. Some prominent politicians, like Miri Regev, a cabinet member and former IDF spokeswoman, have called for action. ‘Refusers should be arrested and prosecuted,’ she has said.

But the government has so far avoided tough action because, according to Yuval Green, ‘the military realised that it only draws attention to our actions, so they try to let us go quietly.’ For those starting their national service and who refuse, sanctions are tougher. Eight conscientious objectors - not part of the reservists group - due to begin their military service at 18 years old have served time in military prison.” (BBC News, 3. Dezember 2024)

BBC News: Thousands of Israeli reservists report for duty ahead of Gaza City offensive, 2. September 2025
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cyvnv5lv4zpo

„Last month, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said about 60,000 reservists would be called up ahead of "Operation Gideon's Chariots II" – the next phase of the ground offensive that it launched in May and has seen it take control of at least 75% of Gaza. It also extended the service of 20,000 reservists who had already been mobilised. On Tuesday, an Israeli military official said thousands had begun reporting for duty.

Israeli media said many of the reservists would be deployed to the occupied West Bank and northern Israel to free up active-duty personnel for the offensive.

They also reported that some combat units were seeing lower turnout than for previous call-ups, with reservists who had already served several tours during the 22-month war requesting exemptions for personal or financial reasons.” (BBC News, 2. September 2025)

Belong ist eine private israelische Organisation, deren Ziel die Unterstützung jüdischer Einwanderer·innen nach Israel ist.

·      Belong: Military and National Service in Israel, 7. Dezember 2023
https://belong.co.il/living/idf-and-national-service/

„National Service

According to the Security Service Law, those who have received a military exemption for either health reasons, conscientious reasons, religious reasons, or were released from security service duty are given the option of joining the country’s National Service (sherut leumi) program.

National service members volunteer across a wide range of sectors of Israeli society, including:

Education

Health Care

Non-Profit Organizations

NGOs

Agriculture

Social services

Aliyah” (Belong, 7. Dezember 2023)

CBC News ist eine Abteilung des kanadischen Rundfunksenders Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) mit Hauptsitz in Ottawa.

CBC News: Israel's Supreme Court rules military draft must include ultra-Orthodox men, 26. Juni 2024
https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/israel-court-orthodox-conscription-1.7245588

„Most Jewish Israelis are bound by law to serve in the military from the age of 18, for three years for men and two years for women. Members of Israel's 21 per cent Arab minority are exempt, though some do serve, and ultra-Orthodox Jewish seminary students have also been largely exempt for decades.

For more than six years, the state had been asking the Supreme Court for more time to pass a new conscription law to resolve the issue.

The law governing the exemption for seminary students expired last year, but the government continued to allow them not to serve. The Supreme Court ruled that in the absence of a new legal basis for the exemption, the state must draft them. The ruling also barred seminaries from receiving state subsidies if scholars avoid service without deferrals or exemptions. […]

The exemptions offered to the ultra-Orthodox Haredi community date back to the early days of the state of Israel in 1948, when its first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, exempted about 400 students from military service so they could devote themselves to religious study. In so doing, Ben-Gurion hoped to keep alive sacred knowledge and traditions almost wiped out in the Holocaust.

The ultra-Orthodox make up 13 per cent of Israel's 10 million population, a figure expected to reach 19 per cent by 2035 due to higher birth rates. More than 65,000 ultra-Orthodox men could be now eligible for enlistment, in light of the court ruling.” (CBC News, 25. Juni 2024)

·      CIA – Central Intelligence Agency: Military service age and obligation, 2021
https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/archives/2021/field/military-service-age-and-obligation/

„18 years of age for compulsory (Jews, Druze) military service; 17 years of age for voluntary (Christians, Muslims, Circassians) military service; both sexes are obligated to military service; conscript service obligation - 32 months for enlisted men and about 24 months for enlisted women (varies based on military occupation), 48 months for officers; pilots commit to 9-year service; reserve obligation to age 41-51 (men), age 24 (women) (2021)” (CIA, 2021)

Decker, Pex, Levi Law Office ist eine israelische Rechtsanwaltskanzlei mit Sitz in Tel Aviv und Jerusalem.

·      Decker, Pex, Levi Law Office: The Rights and Duties of Israeli Residents Abroad, 5. Dezember 2024
https://lawoffice.org.il/en/israeli-residents-staying-abroad/#post_section_10

„Staying abroad does not give an automatic exemption from military reserve duty. However, you cannot be forced to take part in the reserve service while staying abroad. To avoid problems in this area, the reserve soldier should notify their reserve unit about their relocation and apply to be released from service, or to have their service period shortened or postponed. If, before purchasing a flight ticket abroad, the reserve soldier receives an order calling them to serve, they must take part in the reserve service.” (Decker, Pex, Levi Law Office, 5. Dezember 2024)

Decker, Pex, Levi Law Office: Which Olim Hadashim are required to serve in the IDF and which are exempt?, zuletzt aktualisiert am 27. November 2024
https://lawoffice.org.il/en/idf-service-for-immigrants-to-israel/

„Do immigrants who serve in the army in their country of origin have to serve in the IDF?

IDF service for immigrants does not entirely exempt immigrants who were enlisted in a foreign army. A person who served in the army in their country of origin and immigrated at an age that still requires conscription in the IDF will have their period of service shortened in accordance with the time spent in the foreign army. Shortening the period of service requires presenting documents attesting to the time spent serving in the foreign army, translated by a notary, and validated by Apostille. Shortening the period of service is subject to approval by a special committee. Immigrants with dual citizenship are not exempt from conscription.

Who is eligible for exemption from conscription?

Exemption from IDF service for immigrants applies in the same circumstances as exemptions for native-born Israelis. Parents, pregnant women, married couples (married men over the age of 22, married women over the age of 21) are exempt from conscription. Olim who are exempt from recruitment are entitled to volunteer – women for a period of at least 12 months, men for 18.

Religious women may be exempted from conscription. In order to request an exemption, one must submit an affidavit from a Rabbinical Court, signed by a Rabbinical judge, ascertaining that the applicant maintains a religious lifestyle. The enlistment board may accept or deny the affidavit and the exemption from IDF service, based on the circumstances.

IDF service for immigrants can be postponed due to economic reasons, studies and more. Any request to defer conscription is examined according to the circumstances. The application should be sent to the recruitment office nearest to the immigrant’s place of residence, and documents must be submitted verifying the reasons for deferment.

What is the required period of IDF service for immigrants?

Subject to the age of the immigrant upon arrival in Israel, and taking into consideration the factors detailed above, the periods of service are as follows:

Age 18-19: regular service period, 32 months for men, 24 months for women, 24 months for married men.

Age 20: 24 months for men, 12 for women, 18 for married men.

Age 21: 24 months for men, women are exempt, married men serve for 18 months.

Everyone (except medical professionals) who arrives at the age of 28 or older is exempt and cannot volunteer for IDF service.” (Decker, Pex, Levi Law Office, 27. November 2024)

Easy Aliyah ist ein israelisches Unternehmen, das organisatorische Unterstützung bei der Einwanderung von Angehörigen der jüdischen Diaspora nach Israel anbietet.

Easy Aliyah: How To Make Aliyah And Avoid IDF Enlistment, 29. Oktober 2024
https://www.easyaliyah.com/blog/how-to-make-aliyah-and-avoid-idf-enlistment

„1. Eligibility for Exemptions Based on Age, Gender, and Other Factors

Age-Based Exemptions

For new Olim, age is one of the clearest exemptions from IDF service:

o   Men aged 26 and older and women aged 24 and older are generally exempt from mandatory service upon making Aliyah. If you’re close to these ages, delaying Aliyah until you meet these age thresholds can prevent the need for IDF service.

o   Individuals who are slightly younger but close to these thresholds may be eligible for a shorter, non-combat service instead of full enlistment.

Exemptions Based on Marital and Family Status (Primarily for Women)

Women who are married, pregnant, or already mothers are eligible for exemptions based on

family status:

• Marital Status: Married women can claim an exemption by submitting proof of marriage, often in the form of a notarized or officially recognized marriage certificate.
• Pregnancy or Parenthood: Pregnant women and mothers can be exempt from service by providing a physician’s letter confirming pregnancy or birth certificates for children.

Health-Based Exemptions (for Men and Women)

Medical and psychological exemptions are available for individuals with documented health conditions or specific psychological challenges. Exemption procedures involve:

• Medical Documentation: Provide records of any physical or mental health conditions, as well as documentation from a licensed medical professional if possible.
• IDF Medical Board Review: The IDF conducts an evaluation (part of the Tzav Rishon) to determine exemption eligibility. Physical conditions, mental health issues, or chronic illnesses are taken into account and often result in an exemption if they meet certain criteria.

2. Religious Exemptions and Alternative Service Options

Religious Exemptions for Women

Religious women, particularly Orthodox Jewish women, may declare that military service conflicts with their religious beliefs and lifestyle. Key steps include:

• Submitting a Declaration: The IDF requires a notarized declaration stating that military service conflicts with the applicant’s religious beliefs. In some cases, community leaders or rabbis may need to provide supporting statements.
• Sherut Leumi (National Service): Many religious women instead opt for Sherut Leumi, a voluntary national service program. This typically involves community-based work in hospitals, schools, or welfare organizations. National Service lasts one to two years and is widely accepted as a civilian alternative to military service.

Religious Exemptions for Men

Orthodox men studying in a yeshiva or pursuing religious studies can defer or gain exemption from service:

• Yeshiva Deferment: Orthodox men in full-time religious studies often receive deferments and are classified under the Torato Omanuto status, meaning ‘his Torah is his occupation.’
• Alternative National Service: Though less common, certain non-combat roles or civilian service options are sometimes available to Orthodox men under specific agreements with the IDF.” (Easy Aliyah, 24. Oktober 2024)

Die Encyclopaedia Britannica ist eine in den USA herausgegebene englischsprachige Enzyklopädie.

·      Encyclopaedia Britannica, Israel Defense Forces, zuletzt aktualisiert am 23. November 2025
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Israel-Defense-Forces

„Conscription deferments are available to students, and exemptions from service are granted to married women and women with children. Men undertaking religious studies, particularly those in the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, were also exempt throughout most of Israel’s history, but in the 21st century the size of the community in proportion to the general population made the exemption highly controversial and politically polarizing. In 2023 the exemption did not have enough support in government for renewal and in 2024 conscription of ultra-Orthodox men began, although only a small fraction of the draftees reported for duty. The period of active-duty conscription is 32 months for men and 24 months for women; this is followed by a decades-long period of compulsory reserve duty (to age 40).” (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 28. Oktober 2025)

The Guardian ist eine britische Tageszeitung.

Guardian (The): ‘More killing won’t bring back lost lives’: Tal Mitnick, 18, on going to prison instead of joining IDF, 23. Jänner 2024
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/23/israel-man-jailed-refuse-serve-idf-military-tal-mitnick-interview

„On Tal Mitnick’s first morning inside an Israeli military prison last month, he was ordered into a small classroom. Pinned to its walls were various famous quotes. One caught his attention: ‘Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.’ The name beneath it: Nelson Mandela. […]

In late December, Mitnick refused his mandatory draft to join the Israel Defense Forces. As a result, a military court sentenced him to 30 days in custody, making him the first conscientious objector to be jailed in Israel since 7 October. He spoke to the Guardian late on Friday afternoon, one day after his release. Over the weekend, Mitnick spent time with friends and family and attended an anti-war march. This freedom will be short-lived. ‘I’ve already had my draft order from the army for Tuesday morning. Again, I’ll go to the military base and tell them I refuse to serve. Again, I’ll be sent to jail.’ On Tuesday morning, Mitnick was sentenced to a further 30 days in prison.

No policy dictates how long this cycle might continue. Often refusers spend stints totalling 100 days or more locked away, after which the IDF eventually concludes they’re unfit for service.” (The Guardian, 23. Jänner 2024)

Guardian (The): We are dying for no reason’: Israeli reservists face fresh call-up for a war dividing their nation, 2. September 2025
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/sep/02/we-are-dying-for-no-reason-israeli-reservists-face-fresh-call-up-for-a-war-dividing-their-nation

„An unknown number of reservists avoid or postpone joining their units by telling commanders that they are sick or wounded or by simply explaining that they fear for their relationships or businesses. ‘The number who refuse officially is very low at the moment but you can decide you don’t want to go to war for all sorts of reasons. You can refuse ideologically but [then] go to your commander and tell him your back hurts or your grandma isn’t well,’ said Ariel Heimann, a reservist colonel and former head of the IDF reservist system.” (The Guardian, 2. September 2025)

Die Israel Defense Forces (IDF) sind die Streitkräfte Israels.

IDF – Israel Defense Forces, The Duration of a New Immigrant's Military Service, 14. November 2023
https://www.mitgaisim.idf.il/%D7%9B%D7%AA%D7%91%D7%95%D7%AA/english/exclusive-service/the-duration-of-a-new-immigrants-military-service/

„The duration of a new immigrant’s military service depends on their age, the date of arrival in Israel, medical condition and personal status. Obligatory service for women and men who arrived in Israel from June 1st, 2020:

Age of Arrival in Israel		Family Status	Duration of Military Service for women	Duration of Military Service for men
Age 18-19		Single/Married with no children	24 months of service	32 months of service
Age 20-21		Single/Married with no children	24 months of service	24 months of service
Age 18-21		Married with children	Minimal volunteering of 24 months	Minimal volunteering of 24 months
Age 22-27		-	Minimal volunteering of 18 months	Minimal volunteering of 18 months

„Married men and women who have at least one child - are exempt from service.

The arrival date in Israel is determined once a person stays in Israel for more than four consecutive months (with small breaks in between) or after being in Israel for the total of 180 days.” (IDF, 14. November 2023)

·      IDF – Israel Defense Forces: Our Soldiers, ohne Datum
https://www.idf.il/en/mini-sites/our-soldiers/

„The State of Israel requires every Israeli citizen over the age of 18 who is Jewish, Druze or Circassian to serve in the Israel Defense Forces (although there are some notable exceptions). Other Israeli Arabs, religious women, married individuals, and those deemed unfit medically or mentally are exempt from compulsory military service. Regardless of those exemptions, many of those exempt from military service do volunteer to serve in the Israel Defense Forces. Once enlisted, men are expected to serve for a minimum of 32 months and women are expected to serve for a minimum of 24 months.” (IDF, ohne Datum)

Das Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) ist eine parteiunabhängige israelische Denkfabrik mit Sitz in Jerusalem.

IDI – Israel Democracy Institute: Military Service Law and Reserve Service Law Amendments (extension of mandatory and reserve service period): Legal Opinion, 20. März 2024
https://en.idi.org.il/media/23442/final-military-service-law-professional-opinion-for-website.pdf

„1. On January 18, 2024, the following legislative memoranda were published for public comments:

a. Military Service Law (Amendment no. …), 2024-5784, proposing to extend the period of mandatory service for men to a default length of 36 months (henceforth: the Mandatory Service Law Memorandum);

b. Reserve Service Law (Amendment no. …), 2024-5784, proposing to extend the periods of time for which reservists can be called up for duty and to raise the age of exemption from reserve service (henceforth: the Reserve Service Law Memorandum);” (IDI, 20. März 2024, S. 1)

„6. The period of mandatory service for men in the IDF has been reduced in recent years from 36 months to 32 and later to 30 months. Today Israeli men must serve for 32 months. The Mandatory Service Law Memorandum suggests setting that period to 36 months.

7. The Reserve Service Law Memorandum proposes the following extensions of service:

		Existing law	Memorandum
Maximum period of reserve service	Soldier	54 days over three years (average of 18 days per year)	42 days per year
	NonCommissioned Officer (NCO)	70 days over three years (average of 23.3 days per year)	48 days per year
	Officer	84 days over three years (average of 28 days per year)	55 days per year
Maximum period of reserve service for operational activity		25 days every three years	40 days per year
Maximum period of reserve service in roles and professions set by the defense minister and approved by the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee		108 days over three years (average of 36 days per year)	Those not officers or NCOs: 48 days per year
Age of exemption from reserve service		Soldier: 40 Officer: 45 Special order of the defense minister: 49	Soldier: 45 Officer: 49 Special order of the defense minister: 52

As is evident from the above table, the proposed Reserve Service Law Memorandum significantly increases the maximum amount of reserve service due each year. The increase is particularly large with regard to operational activity— from 25 days every three years to 40 days per year.“ (IDI, 20. März 2024, S. 3-4)

IDI – Israel Democracy Institute: The Bismuth Outline for the Draft Exemption Law, 31. Oktober 2025
https://en.idi.org.il/articles/61994

„The Bismuth Outline does not establish an equal obligation for conscription. It proposes only limited sanctions and sets low, weak enlistment targets that include legal loopholes, allowing any Haredi man who wishes to continue deferring his service until it becomes a permanent exemption at age 26. The proposal also restores a high exemption age and prohibits vocational training during yeshiva studies, thereby harming not only the people’s army, national security, and the principle of equality, but also Israel’s economy. […]

Under the current Defense Service Law all Israeli citizens are required to serve in the armed forces. In practice, however, men from the ultra‑Orthodox (Haredi) community serve at extremely low rates. Just about 1.7% of Haredi male high‑school graduates (who remain Haredi in adulthood) have served up to age 24, compared with roughly 88% of other Jewish men (up to age 21).

Since 1998 the Knesset has made repeated attempts to regulate enlistment and exemptions among the Haredi community but none of the laws succeeded in substantially increasing the rates of conscription, and were often struck down by the Supreme Court for violating the principle of equality.

The current legislative round began three years ago, then Defense Minister Benny Gantz, advanced a new bill for Haredi enlistment and exemptions. […]

The proposed amendment, titled Defense Service Law (Amendment No. 26), which concerns enlistment and exemption arrangements for the Haredi sector, has been under consideration by the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee for several years.

It cleared its first reading in 2022 (under the Bennett-Lapid government), and in June 2024 the Knesset applied the ‘continuity rule,’ allowing the bill to be amended and proceed to the second and third readings that are needed for it to pass into law without restarting the legislative process.

Most committee members recognized that the pre‑October 7 version of the bill (which prioritized workforce participation over military enlistment) was now outdated in light of the security crisis the extended mobilization of reserves, and the IDF's immediate need for additional soldiers.

Former Chair Yuli Edelstein held over forty sessions of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on this issue. In June 2025, immediately prior to the conflict with Iran, a new draft was published – reportedly in coordination with Haredi parties – though Edelstein later distanced himself from it, favoring another version supported by the Committee legal advisor Miri Frenkel‑Shor.

Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu then decided to oust Edelstein and replace him with MK Boaz Bismuth as the Committee chair. Bismuth is viewed as more reliable partner with the Haredi parties from the coalition’s perspective. Under Bismuth’s leadership the Committee held consultations and on October 28, 2025, published the so‑called “Bismuth Outline.”

The bill must clear several major hurdles for it to become law:

Legal approval: The Committee legal advisor, Frenkel‑Shor, and the Knesset’s legal advisor Attorney Sagit Afik, have not yet issued their professional opinions on the Bismuth Outline, but it reportedly lacks the approval of both. 

Committee approval: The coalition holds a 10-7 majority in the Committee, now that Yuli Edelstein who opposes the Bismuth draft, has been removed and replaced by his Likud party. The Haredi party members might also oppose the bill. 

Knesset plenary (second and third readings on the floor): The coalition consists of 68 votes out of the 120 in the parliament (including the Haredi parties that officially left the government over this issue). However, several Likud MKs and some Haredi MKs have stated their objection to supporting such a bill. Meanwhile opposition parties and civil society are expected to continue to reject any solution that does not meet the IDF's stated needs for additional soldiers and the standard of equality. 

Supreme Court petitions: Previous conscription‑exemption laws have been struck down — for example, the 2017 ruling cancelling the ‘Haredi exemption law.’ A similar legal challenge is expected here, given the bill’s weak enforcement mechanisms and the ongoing security situation which is likely to include extending mandatory and reservists service that would further emphasize the principal of equality before the law.

The proposal, according to the official explanation of the bill, seeks to pursue two apparently conflicting goals:

On the one hand, it seeks to reduce inequality in military service by recruiting more Haredi men.

On the other, it preserves exemptions for most yeshiva students (under the Torato Umanuto (‘Torah is his Vocation’) arrangement.

These two aims cannot both be fully realized under the current framework, suggesting that the real purpose may be to recruit only those Haredim who are not registered as full‑time yeshiva students. A further indication of this goal is that unlike in Edelstein’s version, the Bismuth Outline omits biometric supervision tools which would have allowed the differentiation of genuine full‑time learners from those who are registered in yeshivas but do not actually learn there on a full-time basis. […]

The proposed law does not establish a general and equal enlistment duty for Haredim comparable to that applied to other sectors. Haredi women (as with national-religious women) would be entitled to request a full exemption from military service. For men, the proposal specifies only minimal and gradually increasing annual enlistment targets, starting at 4,800 recruits and rising each year.“ (IDI, 31. Oktober 2025)

The Indian Express ist eine englischsprachige indische Tageszeitung.

Indian Express (The): All about Israel’s mandatory armed service for men and women, 24. Juni 2025
https://indianexpress.com/article/world/conscription-israel-mandatory-armed-service-men-women-10085690/

„Who is exempt from service?

While conscription is mandatory for most Jewish Israelis, certain groups can secure exemptions on specific grounds.

Arab citizens, including Muslims and Christians, are not conscripted but may volunteer for service. Religious Jewish women who adhere to a religious lifestyle can opt for Sherut Leumi, an alternative national service, instead of military duty.

Individuals with physical or psychological conditions that result in a medical profile below the acceptable threshold are fully exempted.

Outstanding athletes, dancers, or musicians in Olympic or recognised fields may receive shorter, more flexible service terms to pursue their careers.

Until 2024, ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students could delay conscription under the Tal Law by declaring Torah study as their profession, but this provision was repealed.

The Conscience Committee, composed of four officers and a civilian academic, evaluates cases of conscientious objection, distinguishing between genuine pacifists, who may be exempted, and political refusers, such as those opposing the occupation, who are not. This process resembles a legal hearing but does not allow legal counsel. […]

What happens if someone refuses to serve?

Refusing to serve, often due to political or conscientious reasons, leads to varied consequences. The IDF’s approach to refusers is inconsistent: some face trials and repeated imprisonments before being discharged, often through a military psychiatric board declaring them ‘mentally unfit.’ Others are sent directly to such boards, where they must articulate their beliefs.” (The Indian Express, 24. Juni 2025)

Israel National News ist ein israelisches Mediennetzwerk, das sich mit dem religiösen Zionismus identifiziert.

Israel National News, IDF recruits 14,500 holders of draft exemption to bolster reserve forces, 9. Juni 2025
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/409690

„In a significant development, the IDF has conscripted approximately 14,500 Israeli civilians who previously held exemptions from reserve duty, under emergency Order 8. The move was disclosed on Monday during a closed session of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. […]

Roughly a year ago, Arutz Sheva-Israel National News reported that over 170,000 civilians who had served in the IDF over the past decade were released from reserve duty, including 40,000 who held combat roles. These exemptions, granted due to manpower reductions within the IDF, applied to all eligible individuals up to age 45 who otherwise could have served as active reservists.

In a committee session held a month earlier, IDF representatives acknowledged for the first time that they did not know the reason behind the widespread exemptions issued before 2020.

As reported Monday evening, the IDF has established 11 new battalions set to enter service soon, expected to ease the operational load on existing reserve units.” (Israel National News, 9. Juni 2025)

The Jerusalem Post (JP) ist eine israelische Tageszeitung.

JP – Jerusalem Post (The): One-third of IDF reservists from Tel Aviv University are women, 7. Februar 2024
https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-785580

„When thinking of IDF reservists called to the battlefield, it’s obsolete to think only of men. Tel Aviv University (TAU) says that of the 6,657 reservists called up to serve in the war effort, one-third are women.” (JP, 7. Februar 2024)

·      JP – Jerusalem Post (The): Government extends age cutoff for IDF reserve duty amid heavy criticism, 16. Juni 2024
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-806478

„Israel's government on Sunday extended by three months a provision to raise the age at which IDF reservists are released from their duties amidst public debate over the division of the burden of service during the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

The decision, which was set to expire on June 30 but now will expire on September 30, says that regular soldiers must serve until age 41 instead of 40, and officers must serve until age 46 instead of 45. The goal, according to Israel's defense ministry, is to avoid a scenario in which thousands of soldiers are instantly released in the middle of war due to them having reached the cut off age.” (JP, 16. Juni 2024)

·      JP – Jerusalem Post (The): Mandatory Sherut Leumi for haredim will make things worse – opinion, 17. März 2024
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-791572

„The ultra-Orthodox sector has two claims against drafting to the IDF: the suspension of Torah study and the fear of corruption in a non-Orthodox setting. There is no easy solution to recruit the ultra-Orthodox to the army, but the option of a Sherut Leumi (National Service) requirement instead of drafting to the army is an option that politicians repeatedly suggest. Sherut Leumi is intended only for civilians that the IDF has decided to exempt from military service and is operated solely on a voluntary basis.

Because of this, the majority of Sherut Leumi volunteers are religious girls from the Zionist sector. Young citizens of draft age who suffer from illness or disability also volunteer for national service. These populations volunteer with high motivation and sufficient supervision by about eight associations established to ensure that Sherut Leumi is carried out most efficiently. For this reason, Sherut Leumi has gained a positive reputation.” (JP, 17. März 2024)

JP –Jerusalem Post (The): Aliyah, 30. November 2025
https://www.jpost.com/tags/aliyah

„Aliyah, the Israeli equivalent of immigraton, is the name given to the legal process of obtaining citizenship and residency by moving to the State of Israel. 
Aliyah (rise up) is a process available to Jews worldwide who can prove their Jewish heritage to the Israeli government. 

It is one of the fundamental tenets of Zionism, and is encouraged and incentivized by the Israeli government and by organizations such as Nefesh B'Nefesh that help new olim by granting financial aid packages and guidance to ease the assimilation into Israeli culture.
While Jews immigrated at a steady rate to Israel throughout the country's history, there were few notably massive immigration waves over time, bringing in Jews from all over the world.” (JP, 30. November 2025)

Knesset (Israel), Approved in first reading: Extension of compulsory military service for men to 36 months, until 2029, 18. Juli 2024
https://main.knesset.gov.il/en/news/pressreleases/pages/press18724r.aspx

„The Knesset Plenum early Thursday approved in first reading the Defense Service Bill (Amendment No. 28 and Temporary Provision), 2024. In the vote, the bill was supported by 56 MKs, versus 46 who opposed it. The bill will be turned over to House Committee to determine which committee will deliberate it. It is proposed that compulsory military service for men will be extended from 32 months to 36 months, from the day the bill will enter into effect until June 30, 2029, this within the framework of a temporary provision.” (Knesset, 18. Juli 2024)

Ministerium für auswärtige Angelegenheiten (Israel): Handling of matters relating to the Israel Defense Forces, 7. Oktober 2021
https://www.gov.il/en/pages/israel-defense-forces

„1. The Defense Service Law (Consolidated Version), 5747 - 1986 and the Authority to Implement it Abroad

The Defense Service Law (Consolidated Version), 5747 - 1986 and the authority to implement it abroad applies to all citizens of the State of Israel both in Israel and abroad, even if they have another citizenship, and even if they live permanently abroad. It also applies to permanent residents of Israel, even if they are not Israeli citizens. The obligation of compulsory service applies to every man who is fit to serve, between the ages of 18 and 29, inclusive. However, a person who is past the age of the obligation of compulsory service and did not fulfill his obligation at the time specified in the law, is deemed to be in violation of the law and will be required to serve in the IDF as decided by the IDF authorities.

2. Registering and establishing military status with the diplomatic / consular representative

Every citizen / permanent resident of the State of Israel, upon reaching the age of 16.5, even if he is living or staying abroad for any reason, is obligated by the Defense Service Law to establish his status with the Israel Defense Forces authorities. A person who is designated for defense service, who is called to report under a general call up order, must report in Israel at the place and at the time specified in the order. However, if he is located abroad, he can report to the diplomatic / consular representative at the mission for the purpose of registration. At the time of his registration, he may submit a request to defer the time of reporting to the defense service. Registration is implemented by filling out the form Registration form/Application to defer military service for Israeli citizens staying abroad (click here to download the form). Additional details can be obtained on the Israel Defense Forces website. […]

3. Deferring service and restrictions on visit to Israel

If a decision is made to defer the service of a person designated for defense service, while he is staying abroad with his parents, the diplomatic / consular representative will explain to him the conditions and restrictions applying to him in everything pertaining to the time frames of his visit to Israel.” (Ministerium für auswärtige Angelegenheiten (Israel), 7. Oktober 2021)

New Profile ist eine ursprünglich als feministische Bewegung gegründete israelische Organisation, die sich für eine Verringerung des Einflusses des Militärs auf die Zivilgesellschaft Israels und für Frieden, Gewaltfreiheit und Demokratie einsetzt.

New Profile: Types of exemption from military service, ohne Datum
https://newprofile.org/en/types-of-exemption-from-military-service/

„There are several main types of exemption from military service in Israel: exemption on health grounds (“Profile 21”), exemption for religious women, exemption for married women, pregnant women and mothers, and exemption due to ‘incompatibility’, which can be given to those who spent a considerable period in military prison (due to ideological refusal to serve in the military or for any other reason), for those who have convinced a military committee that they are pacifists, for those whom the army decided they don’t reach its ‘enlistment standards,’ and more. Some of these exemption types are available for everyone, including regular soldiers, reserve soldiers and ‘atuda’ soldiers (those who pursue an academic degree as part of their military service), while others exemption avenues are limited to certain populations or are dependent upon other factors. In addition, there are arrangements for postponement of enlistment for Israeli citizens who emigrated out of Israel as children and for several religious groups. Following these arrangements’ rules might eventually result in full exemption at a later age.

Exemption on health grounds (“Profile 21”)

Medical exemption (“Profile 21”) is granted to those who were diagnosed with a medical or mental health condition which deems them unfit for military service. The exemption process might be tiring and long, but it usually doesn’t involve risks, such as imprisonment.

Exemption due to “incompatibility”

Before enlistment – this type of exemption is granted to candidates for service whom the Israeli Military determined as standing below its enlistment standards.

During service – such exemption may be granted due to “problematic” behaviors, such as long absences from service, long imprisonment, conviction for grave offenses, and more. There is no formal procedure for applying for this type of exemption and the military decides in which case to grant it.

Exemption for married women, pregnant women and mothers

This type of exemption is granted to female candidates for service or soldiers who are married, pregnant, or mothers. The only condition for receiving this exemption is presenting documents which prove marriage, pregnancy, or parenthood.

Exemption for Atuda soldiers (Academic reserve)

The academic Atuda contract prevents early exemption of those signed on it, except in exceptional cases. In reality, Atuda soldiers can get an exemption from military service on grounds of physical or mental health, and very rarely also on grounds of consciousness. ´

Exemption on consciousness grounds (pacifism)

This type of exemption is granted to candidates for service whose application to be recognized as pacifists was approved by the military’s own consciousness committee. This process of obtaining exemption might be long, and it is very much recommended to consult the Counseling Network prior to initiating it.

Exemption on religious grounds

This type of exemption is granted to female candidates for service who declare they keep Kosher, avoid driving on Shabat, and live religiously. The military usually checks the level of religiousness of the exemption seeker, especially if she comes from a non-religious background. Another religion-related exemption is given to members of groups who have reached an arrangement with the military (Yeshiva students, Druze religion students, Jehovah’s Witnesses).

Residency out of Israel

Israelis who were born outside of Israel or emigrated from Israel before the age of 16 must be in contact with Israeli authorities where they live in order to receive an official status which enables them to visit Israel up to 120 days per year without having to enlist. Those who haven’t adjusted their status, or emigrated after the age of 16, are obliged to enlist, with risk of imprisonment upon arrival to Israel.” (New Profile, ohne Datum)

Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) ist ein öffentliches Rundfunkunternehmen mit Sitz in Virginia, USA.

PBS – Public Broadcasting Service: Israel’s highest court orders army to end draft exemption for ultra-Orthodox men, 25. Juni 2024
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/israels-highest-court-orders-army-to-end-draft-exemption-for-ultra-orthodox-men

„Israel’s Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled unanimously that the military must begin drafting ultra-Orthodox men for compulsory service, a landmark decision that could lead to the collapse of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition as Israel continues to wage war in Gaza.

The historic ruling effectively puts an end to a decades-old system that granted ultra-Orthodox men broad exemptions from military service while maintaining mandatory enlistment for the country’s secular Jewish majority. The arrangement, deemed discriminatory by critics, has created a deep chasm in Israel’s Jewish majority over who should shoulder the burden of protecting the country. […]

The court struck down a law that codified exemptions in 2017, but repeated court extensions and government delaying tactics over a replacement dragged out a resolution for years. The court ruled that in the absence of a law, Israel’s compulsory military service applies to the ultra-Orthodox like any other citizen.

Under longstanding arrangements, ultra-Orthodox men have been exempt from the draft, which is compulsory for most Jewish men and women, who serve three and two years respectively as well as reserve duty until around age 40. […]

In its ruling, the court found that the state was carrying out ‘invalid selective enforcement, which represents a serious violation of the rule of law, and the principle according to which all individuals are equal before the law.’

It did not say how many ultra-Orthodox should be drafted, but the military has said it is capable of enlisting 3,000 this year.

Some 66,000 ultra-Orthodox men are now eligible for enlistment, according to Shuki Friedman, an expert on religion and state affairs and the vice-president of the Jewish People Policy Institute, a Jerusalem think tank.

The ruling of Israel’s highest court must be followed, and the military is expected to begin doing so once it forms a plan for how to draft thousands of members of a population that’s deeply opposed to service, and which follows a cloistered and modest lifestyle the military may not be immediately prepared to accommodate. The army had no immediate comment.

The court also ruled that state subsidies for seminaries where exempted ultra-Orthodox men study should remain suspended. The court temporarily froze the seminary budgets earlier this year. […]

Religious women generally receive exemptions that are not as controversial, in part because women are not expected to serve in combat units.

The court ruling does not address the status of Israel’s Palestinian citizens, who are not expected to serve and most of whom do not. As descendants of Palestinians who remained in Israel after the 1948 war that led to its creation, their ties to the military are fraught and some in Israel see them as a fifth column because of their solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.“ (PBS, 25. Juni 2024)

·      SFS – Georgetown Journal of International Affairs: The Druze Community in Israel: A Model of Minority Integration, 21. April 2025
https://gjia.georgetown.edu/2025/04/21/the-druze-community-in-israel-a-model-of-minority-integration/

„In 1956, an agreement between Druze leaders and the Israeli government made military service mandatory for Druze men, setting them apart from other Arab groups in Israel. This decision reflected a strategic alliance: Druze leadership sought greater integration and protection, while Israel aimed to bolster its national security with a loyal minority. Today, the Druze remain the only Arab group in Israel with compulsory military service, excluding those in the Golan Heights. This arrangement, along with their active sociopolitical engagement, provides a compelling case for examining minority integration within a predominantly Jewish state.” (SFS, 21. April 2025)

The Times of Israel ist eine israelische Tageszeitung.

·      Times of Israel (The): Knesset extends temporary measure upping age limit for end of IDF reserve service, 29. Februar 2024
https://www.timesofisrael.com/knesset-extends-temporary-measure-upping-age-limit-for-end-of-idf-reserve-service/

„The Knesset on Wednesday extended by four months a temporary order that raised the age at which reservists are freed from duty in the Israel Defense Forces. The order raising the age by a year was introduced at the end of last year due to a need for a large numbers of troop during the ongoing war against the Palestinian terror group Hamas in the Gaza Strip. It was due to expire on Thursday.“ (The Times of Israel, 29. Februar 2024)

Times of Israel (The): Knesset passes first reading of bill that raises retirement age for IDF reservists, 25. Juni 2024
https://www.timesofisrael.com/knesset-passes-first-reading-of-bill-that-raises-retirement-age-for-idf-reservists/

„The Knesset on Monday approved the first reading of a bill to push off the retirement of army reservists by extending a temporary measure passed last year to ensure the military has enough manpower amid the ongoing war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. […]

The proposal, a Defense Ministry-backed ‘draft Security Service Law,’ calls to extend a temporary measure raising the exemption age for reserve military service from 40 to 41 for soldiers and from 45 to 46 for officers for several additional months due to a manpower shortage amid the ongoing war in Gaza. Specialists such as doctors and air crewmen will be required to continue serving until 50, instead of 49.” (The Times of Israel, 25. Juni 2024)

·      Times of Israel (The): 60,000 IDF reservists to be called up in coming days ahead of Gaza City takeover, 20. August 2025
https://www.timesofisrael.com/60k-reservists-set-to-receive-call-up-orders-in-coming-days-ahead-of-gaza-city-takeover/

„Some 60,000 Israeli reservists were set to receive call-up orders that the military will issue starting Wednesday for an offensive against Hamas in Gaza City, after Defense Minister Israel Katz approved the army’s plans, according to the Israel Defense Forces and security officials. […]

The orders were not immediate, but rather were slated to take place in several waves. The majority — around 40,000-50,000 — would be ordered to show up for duty on September 2. Another wave would take place in November-December, and a third wave in February-March 2026, the IDF said. The number of reservists being called up is in addition to tens of thousands of reservists who are currently serving in the reserves. […]

The IDF said it was also extending reserve duty for some 20,000 reservists who were currently on duty by another 30-40 days. This would bring the total number of reservists at a given time during the offensive to around 130,000. The reservists included three brigades and several more battalions, and many combat support soldiers, including in intelligence and logistics.

Not all of the reservists are expected to participate in the operation to capture Gaza City, as some will instead be replacing standing army troops on other fronts.“ (The Times of Israel, 20. August 2025)

Times of Israel (The): Reporting back for duty: Older reservists step up in Israel’s time of need, 22. August 2025
https://www.timesofisrael.com/reporting-back-for-duty-older-reservists-step-up-in-israels-time-of-need/

„Israeli reserve soldiers take part in a military drill in the northern Israeli city of Kiryat Shmona, June 18, 2024. (Ayal Margolin/ Flash90)

In Israel’s most prolonged and grueling war, triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on the country’s south, the Israel Defense Forces’ heavy reliance on its reserve forces has become clearer than ever. Among those answering the call are hundreds of citizens over the age of 50, stepping up to help ease the military’s growing manpower strain.

Normally, soldiers bow out of reserve duty at age 40, officers at 45, and those in special roles — including positions like drivers — at 49, making reserve duty rare for older individuals.

According to recent IDF statistics, approximately five percent of the reservists currently serving are over the age of 50. Since the outbreak of the war in Gaza, the number of reservists in this age demographic has increased by some 50%.” (The Times of Israel, 22. August 2025)

·      Times of Israel (The): Bismuth says law regulating ultra-Orthodox conscription will be passed in December, 22. Oktober 2025
https://www.timesofisrael.com/bismuth-says-law-regulating-ultra-orthodox-conscription-will-be-passed-in-december/

„Echoing comments made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, Bismuth claimed that the legislation would lead to the conscription of 10,000 Haredim within two years, a number he said would continue to increase going forward. […]

While ‘there will be sanctions — there will be personal sanctions, there will be institutional sanctions, there will be serious sanctions’ — placed on those who are called up but refuse to serve in the military, Bismuth cautioned that it was necessary to respect the ultra-Orthodox lifestyle and that he was promoting sanctions ‘meant to poke the Haredim in the eye.’

Stating that he had met with many rabbis from across the Haredi community, he said that the consensus among them was that those engaged in studying Torah full-time should be allowed to continue, while those who don’t should enlist.

‘I admire those who wear the uniform, but just as much — and I say this out loud — I admire those who study the Torah,’ Bismuth said, adding that he was working hard on the bill to ensure that it would not be struck down by the High Court.

On Monday, Bismuth announced that he was postponing a series of scheduled discussions of the bill because his committee’s legal adviser required additional time to prepare a draft of the legislation based on a document of principles he had submitted last week.

According to Hebrew-language news reports, the document stipulates that within five years, 50 percent of the annual Haredi draft cohort will be conscripted, and the age of exemption will remain at 26. Government funding for yeshivas will only be cut if they fail to meet army enlistment quotas after a year, and sanctions on individuals who do not serve in the army will only go into effect after two years if the overall enlistment goal is not met.

Moreover, those sanctioned will not lose their driver’s licenses, although restrictions on issuing licenses to draft evaders will apply.

Bismuth’s proposal immediately drew harsh criticism from opposition politicians, who say that its real purpose is to pave the way for the ultra-Orthodox Shas party to return to the coalition after it resigned earlier this year in protest of a previous draft of the bill. Former Shas MK Ariel Attias represented the Haredi parties in negotiations over Bismuth’s new proposal for the controversial bill.

Recent efforts to enforce conscription through the arrest of draft dodgers has proven ineffective, with the head of the IDF’s Personnel Directorate recently telling lawmakers that a full toolbox is required, including sanctions against evaders.

‘Why can a person who is legally defined as a criminal, because he evades the draft, represent lawbreakers and be a lawyer? Why can a draft dodger drive on the road?’ he asked, echoing similar calls from officials from the Finance Ministry to the Attorney General’s Office.” (The Times of Israel, 22. Oktober 2025)

·      Times of Israel (The): High Court gives government 45 days to draw up sanctions for Haredi draft dodgers, 19. November 2025
https://www.timesofisrael.com/high-court-gives-government-45-days-to-draw-up-sanctions-for-haredi-draft-dodgers/

„In a ruling that delivered a stinging rebuke to both the ultra-Orthodox community and the government, the High Court of Justice on Wednesday ordered the government to draw up effective enforcement measures, including criminal proceedings, against ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students who have refused to comply with IDF conscription orders.

In a unanimous decision, the court accused the government and state agencies of having almost ‘totally shirked’ their responsibilities to enforce the law when it came to Haredi draft dodgers, which the court said constituted a violation of the state’s obligation to enforce its laws, and selective enforcement.

The court instructed the government to begin criminal proceedings against ultra-Orthodox men already deemed legally to be draft dodgers as quickly as possible, and to draw up within 45 days civil and economic enforcement measures deemed to have a high chance of success against all those refusing to comply with conscription orders. […]

In June 2023, the clauses in the Law for Security Service allowing for blanket military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students expired, and a year later the High Court ruled that the government was therefore obligated to begin drafting them.

Few yeshiva students have enlisted since then, with just 2.3% of those currently required to enlist having done so, prompting government watchdog groups and others to petition the court demanding enforcement.´

The government is currently trying to pass new legislation to reinstate blanket military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students, but is facing significant opposition from the Haredi political parties — which insist the concessions to their community are not deep enough — and rebels in the Likud party who argue that the law will not help the IDF meet the requirements for thousands of new combat soldiers.

In Wednesday’s ruling, Sohlberg noted that the IDF has said it needs some 12,000 new soldiers, of whom half need to be combat soldiers. Some 80,000 ultra-Orthodox men aged between 18 and 24 are currently believed to be eligible for military service, but have not enlisted.” (The Times of Israel, 19. November 2025)

·      Times of Israel (The): Bismuth presents bill exempting yeshiva students from IDF draft, loosening sanctions, 27. November 2025
https://www.timesofisrael.com/bismuth-presents-bill-exempting-yeshiva-students-from-idf-draft-loosening-sanctions/

„Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairman Boaz Bismuth released on Thursday his long-awaited revision of a government-backed bill regulating ultra-Orthodox enlistment, paving the way for its continued advancement toward the final two readings necessary for it to become law.

Bismuth’s version of the legislation would continue to grant military service exemptions to full-time yeshiva students while ostensibly increasing conscription among graduates of Haredi educational institutions.

However, the proposed legislation removes various provisions from a previous draft that were intended to ensure that those registered for yeshiva study are actually studying, and cancels all sanctions on draft evaders when they turn 26. Many ultra-Orthodox young men are widely believed to register for yeshiva but not actually study, the yeshiva is funded for their ostensible presence, and the young men evade military service.

The release of the draft text sparked harsh criticism from the opposition, mainly because it was seen as calibrated to maintain the current status quo, under which the overwhelming majority of ultra-Orthodox men do not perform IDF service. Opposition Leader Yair Lapid dismissed it as an ‘anti-Zionist disgrace,’ and Bismuth’s Likud predecessor as Defense Committee chair, Yuli Edelstein, called it ‘a political band-aid.’

A defense official was quoted Thursday evening as saying that the bill leaves ‘the exemption mechanism in the hands of the rabbis and not the IDF,’ and that it would not bring much-needed recruits from the ultra-Orthodox community into the military. ‘This law is essentially a bluff,’ the official told Channel 12 news.

The new version of the legislation is likely to face a significant challenge before the High Court, which struck down the previous law in 2017 and last year to begin drafting Haredi men into the IDF.” (The Times of Israel, 27. November 2025)

·      Times of Israel (The): Coalition MKs tear into Haredi draft exemption bill, throwing it into uncertainty, 1. Dezember 2025
https://www.timesofisrael.com/coalition-mks-tear-into-haredi-draft-exemption-bill-throwing-it-into-uncertainty/

„Multiple coalition lawmakers, including members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling Likud party, expressed vocal opposition on Monday to the government’s proposed bill regulating ultra-Orthodox draft exemptions as the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee resumed deliberations on the controversial legislation.

[…] Amid rising dissent from within the coalition, it is unclear whether the bill in its current form would win a majority in its second and third readings to become law without first undergoing major revisions. So far, at least eight coalition lawmakers have voiced their public opposition, with multiple others thought to quietly hold similar views.

[…] Current committee chairman Boaz Bismuth (Likud) released the text of the long-awaited revised conscription bill last Thursday, prompting harsh criticism from both the coalition and opposition, as well as, reportedly, his own committee’s legal adviser. For the past year, the Haredi leadership has been pushing for the passage of a law that would largely keep its constituency out of the IDF, after the High Court ruled that decades-long blanket exemptions from army duty informally afforded to full-time Haredi yeshiva students were illegal.

Some 80,000 ultra-Orthodox men aged between 18 and 24 are currently believed to be eligible for military service, but have not enlisted. The IDF has said it urgently needs 12,000 recruits due to the strain on standing and reserve forces caused by the war against Hamas in Gaza and other military challenges. The legislation, as currently laid out, would continue to grant military service exemptions to full-time yeshiva students while ostensibly increasing conscription among graduates of Haredi educational institutions. However, the bill would also remove various provisions from Edelstein’s draft that were intended to ensure that those registered for yeshiva study are actually studying, and cancel all sanctions on draft evaders when they turn 26.

[…] Addressing the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Likud MK Dan Illouz reiterated his previously stated objections to the bill, arguing that without significant revisions ‘the law won’t be good enough, and it won’t bring the change we need in Israel, both from a security and from a social perspective.’

[…] Fellow Likud MK Eliyahu Revivo declared that in its current form, ‘there will not be a majority’ in favor of the bill, and ‘not in the coalition either.’ The bill will not lead to a significant increase in the scope of recruitment and ‘many members of Likud’ will not vote ‘in favor of a bill supported by Arab faction votes,’ he added — referencing reports, denied by Likud, that it has sought out the support of the Islamist Ra’am party.

[…] Pushing back against the criticism, Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs insisted that the bill would ‘recruit 23,000 Haredi soldiers within three and a half years,’ a claim contested by Likud MK Moshe Saada, who has previously called the legislation ‘toothless.’ Such an increase is impossible to guarantee because the bill does not set a quota for how many recruits will serve in combat roles, Saada argued, demanding that the bill condition state benefits on military service, arguing that a failure to do so will ensure that it does not pass judicial review. Opposition MK Chili Tropper (Blue and White) also pushed back against Fuchs’s claim, saying that because the law allows ten percent of those conscripted as part of its annual recruitment target to serve in non-military roles, and does not specify how many recruits must enter combat tracks, it will likely only boost recruitment by several hundred conscripts at best.

[…] The legislation was also harshly criticized by members of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionism party, with MK Moshe Solomon telling Bismuth during the hearing that ‘in its current form, it will be difficult for me to support this law.’ As debate raged in the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Immigration Minister Ofir Sofer called a press conference to express his own opposition. ‘This is a shameful law, devoid of any public courage, a law that struggles to look our ultra-Orthodox partners in the eye and tell them it is time to take action,’ he said, declaring that he would ‘vote against this law, even if it means the prime minister will fire me.’

[…] The coalition currently holds 60 out of 120 seats in the Knesset. Should Agudat Yisrael’s four MKs vote join the rest of the opposition and coalition rebels in opposing the measure, it would likely fail to pass its final two readings in the plenum. […] Bismuth has previously stated that he intends to pass the bill during December, which would leave little time for substantive revisions.“ (The Times of Israel, 1. Dezember 2025)

Tazpit Press Service (TPS-IL) ist eine israelische Nachrichtenagentur.

TPS-IL: Exemptions in the Spotlight Amid High Holiday Strain on Israeli Reservists’ Families, 30. September 2025
https://tps.co.il/articles/exemptions-in-the-spotlight-amid-high-holiday-strain-on-israeli-reservists-families/

„Shirel, 32, mother of a toddler and a small baby, said her husband was drafted immediately after October 7 and is now scheduled to return to duty before Yom Kippur.

‘Since October 7, he’s been in and out of reserve duty for every holiday. This Rosh HaShanah was the first time in two years we celebrated as a family. And now he’s been called up again; he won’t be home for the rest of the holidays,’ she told TPS-IL. ‘Our son, just two and a half, doesn’t understand what’s happening. One minute Dad is here, the next he’s gone for weeks, and it’s really messing with him — he’s even started pulling away.’

A resident of the Modi’in area in central Israel, Shirel added, ‘Many moms have had to quit their jobs. I work alongside my husband at his business when I can, but with a small baby and a child who needs constant attention, it’s exhausting and lonely. The system has to make these rotations less frequent. Otherwise, those who carry the burden will eventually drop.’

Despite repeated assurances from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) that efforts are being made to ease the burden, call-ups continued. Senior IDF officers acknowledge the problem but have yet to resolve it. Even if Hamas accepts a White House proposal to end the war in Gaza almost immediately, the army faces continued strain.

In September, the head of the IDF Manpower Directorate, Maj. Gen. Dado Bar Kalifa, told the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that the army is short roughly 6,000–7,000 combat soldiers and a similar number of support personnel. He offered no details on whether that figure includes thousands of former combat soldiers previously exempted, many of whom remain fit and willing to serve.

A letter from the Forum of Reservists’ Wives, sent to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz on September 4, demanded a decision to recruit “exempt but eligible” soldiers back into service.

Exemptions, or ptorim, are meant for soldiers released from reserve duty due to medical, psychological, or family circumstances. But in recent years the IDF issued them more broadly as part of efforts to downsize the army. It isn’t clear how many Israelis received exemptions.

The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit told TPS-IL that call-ups are based solely on “operational need and professional considerations.” Since the war began, the reserve force has grown by more than 25%, roughly 30,000 soldiers have been transferred from IDF databases into active units, and about 53,000 previously exempted individuals have voluntarily returned to duty. The army declined to say how many eligible former combat soldiers remain available.“ (TPS-IL, 30. September 2025)

Das US Department of State (USDOS) ist das US-Bundesministerium, das für die auswärtigen Angelegenheiten der Vereinigten Staaten zuständig ist.

·      USDOS - US Department of State: 2023 Report on International Religious Freedom: Israel, West Bank and Gaza: Israel, 26. Juni 2024
https://www.ecoi.net/de/dokument/2111884.html

„Military service is compulsory for Jewish citizens, male Druze citizens, and male Circassian citizens (Muslims originally from the northwestern Caucasus region who migrated in the late 19th century). The IDF does not consider conscientious objection due to religious belief as a basis for exemption from military service. [...] Arab/Palestinian Muslims and Christians as well as Druze and Circassian women receive a de-facto exemption by not being called for military service.” (USDOS, 26. Juni 2024, Section II)

War Resisters’ International (WRI) ist ein weltweit agierendes Netzwerk von Antimilitaristen, Kriegsdienstverweigerern und Pazifisten mit Hauptsitz in London.

·      WRI – War Resisters’ International: Israel: Solidarity with refusers in prison, 2025
https://wri-irg.org/en/programmes/rrtk/co-action-alert/2025/israel-solidarity-refusers-prison

„In July, a group of Israeli teenagers publicly declared their refusal to serve in the Israeli military, protesting against the genocide in Gaza and the ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories. With their refusal, these conscientious objectors have called for an end to the war in Gaza and urged others to resist conscription. Their act of civil disobedience follows a long tradition of conscientious objection in Israel and comes at a time of intensified violence and repression. Today, as reported by Mesarvot – a network of conscientious objectors in Israel – more than five refusers, including Yona Roseman, Ayana Gerstmann, and Yuval Pelleg, are being held in military prison for refusing to serve in the army and participate in the genocide in Gaza.” (WRI, 2025)

Yaffa News Network ist eine palästinensische Nachrichtenwebsite.

Yaffa News Network: The occupation army cancels tens of thousands of exemptions and calls up reserves, 17. September 2025
https://yaffaps.com/en/page-46155.html

„The Israeli army is rushing to cancel tens of thousands of exemptions granted to reservists over the past decade before the war, in response to the military evasion law imposed by the ultra-Orthodox and the "Gideon Vehicles 2" operation, which is expected to continue until 2026. According to data published on the Yedioth Ahronoth website, the army has nearly doubled the number of exemption cancellation notices from reserve service in recent months.

These notices were sent to people who had canceled their service in the years leading up to the October 7 attack. Initially, about 15,000 cancellation notices were sent about ten months ago, demanding their return to reserve service, but the number recently rose to 27,000 notices and is expected to increase further. About 57% of those called up, approximately 18,000 people, responded to the call and were distributed to various units, most in combat roles. Out of the 27,000, about 40% submitted appeals for various reasons, mostly personal, family, or medical, but only about 16% of the appeals were accepted.

The average age of those returning to service due to exemption cancellation is 32.5 years, with most appeals filed by those serving up to the age of 40.“ (Yaffa News Network, 17. September 2025)

Ynet ist ein Nachrichtenportal der israelischen Tageszeitung Jedi’ot Acharonot.

Ynet, Mossad launches first public recruitment drive for national service women, 8. März 2025
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b1jliypwgx

„National service, known in Hebrew as sherut leumi, is typically carried out by religious Jewish women and other exempted citizens who choose to volunteer for one to two years in hospitals, schools, welfare offices or emergency services. While most participants are women, a small number of men also join the program.“ (Ynet, 8. März 2025)

Ynet: Israel begins immediate mass demobilization of reservist forces across all fronts, 11. Juni 2025
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r1eaowqjwg

„IDF says it would issue an order releasing thousands of reservists from duty, a move that follows the declared end of major combat and the transition to what officials called 'enhanced border security'.

For the first time since the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attack, Israel has begun a large-scale reduction of reserve forces, marking a shift from wartime operations to an intensified security routine along the country’s borders.

The IDF said Thursday its Operations Directorate would issue an order releasing thousands of reservists from duty, a move that follows the declared end of major combat and the transition to what officials called ‘enhanced border security.’

According to the military, about two and a half reserve brigades will be withdrawn from defensive missions. Two regular brigades are scheduled to replace two reserve brigades along Israel’s northern border this weekend, while regular battalions from the Givati and Kfir brigades will replace reserve battalions in the West Bank. Hundreds of regular soldiers from elite units have also been reassigned from Gaza to the West Bank Division after months of fighting.

A broader reduction is expected within the next month, as regular forces replace more reserve units that stopped fighting in Gaza after the ceasefire with Hamas. The IDF said the move is intended to give tens of thousands of reservists — many of whom have spent three to four months away from home this year — a needed break.

In the coming months, the balance between regular and reserve troops on defensive missions is expected to reach roughly 50-50, before shifting further toward regular forces next year. The army said that as part of the postwar transition, reserve units will also resume battalion- and brigade-level training for the first time in more than two years.

For now, reservists are still being called up under Order 8, the emergency mobilization decree. But military and government officials are expected to discuss whether to return to the standard Reserve Service Law — either its current form or an updated version the IDF has sought for the past two years. […]

The IDF said it plans to provide reservists with at least two months’ notice before their next call-up. The military is now finalizing its deployment plan for 2026, which is expected to be the first full year of postwar operations. There will be no changes for reservists already scheduled to serve in December, January or likely February, officials said.

If the current calm continues and large-scale fighting does not resume, the IDF intends to call up reservists next year for only one extended deployment of about two to three months, including leave periods. That plan, originally agreed upon for 2025, was delayed when the government decided to continue operations in Gaza.” (Ynet, 11. Juni 2025)

Die Zeit ist eine deutsche Wochenzeitung.

Zeit (Die): Ultraorthodoxe wollen Regierung wegen Wehrpflichtgesetz verlassen, 15. Juli 2025
https://www.zeit.de/politik/ausland/2025-07/benjamin-netanjahu-israel-ultraorthodoxe-regierung-austritt

„Die jahrzehntelange Ausnahme für ultraorthodoxe Seminaristen von der allgemeinen Wehrpflicht war im vergangenen Jahr vom Obersten Gerichtshof gekippt worden. Das Gericht hatte entschieden, dass das Verteidigungsministerium diesen Personen keine pauschale Befreiung aus religiösen Gründen mehr gewähren darf und der Staat mit der Einberufung ultraorthodoxer jüdischer Studenten beginnen muss. Das Militär kündigte daraufhin an, jährlich etwa 3.000 Ultraorthodoxe rekrutieren zu wollen.

Angesichts des Kriegs im Gazastreifen und weiterer Einsätze hatte das israelische Militär Anfang Juli dieses Jahres die politisch umstrittene Einberufung von 54.000 ultraorthodoxen jüdischen Seminarstudenten angekündigt. Es sollten zwar wegen religiöser Belange besondere Vorkehrungen getroffen werden, aber die Einberufung sollte laut Militär noch im Juli beginnen.

Seit der Staatsgründung Israels 1948 waren auch ultraorthodoxe Juden zum Studium religiöser Schriften von der allgemeinen Wehrpflicht befreit. Allerdings lebten damals noch sehr wenige Ultraorthodoxe in Israel. Mittlerweile ist deren Bevölkerungsanteil auf 13 Prozent gestiegen. Die Regelung sorgt seit Jahren für heftige Debatten in Israel.

Männer müssen in Israel regulär drei Jahre, Frauen zwei Jahre Wehrdienst leisten. Es gibt aber auch ultraorthodoxe Männer und streng religiöse Frauen, die freiwillig dienen. Am Streit über ein Gesetz, das schrittweise mehr streng religiöse Männer zum Dienst an der Waffe verpflichten sollte, war 2018 eine Regierungskoalition zerbrochen.“ (Die Zeit, 15. Juli 2025)