In a landmark decision Tuesday morning, the Israeli Supreme Court unanimously ruled that there is currently no legal framework allowing for the distinction between yeshiva students and other individuals eligible for military service.
The court, in a 9-0 decision, stated, "The state does not have the authority to order a blanket exemption from their enlistment, and must act in accordance with the provisions of the Defense Service Law [Consolidated Version], 5746-1986."
The ruling further stipulates that in the absence of a legal framework for exemption from military service, "it is not possible to continue transferring support funds to yeshivas and kollels for students who have not received an exemption or whose military service has not been deferred."
The ruling further stipulates that in the absence of a legal framework for exemption from military service, "it is not possible to continue transferring support funds to yeshivas and kollels for students who have not received an exemption or whose military service has not been deferred."
Achim L'Neshek (Brothers in Arms), the petitioners in the case, responded to the Supreme Court's decision: "76 years of 'Israelbluff' ended today when the court decided that we are all Israelis, we are all equal before the law, and we all serve. In the face of the reckless smiles of 63 disconnected Knesset members who voted in favor of draft dodging and against IDF soldiers, the Supreme Court has ruled justly and shown that where there is no leadership, there is democracy. To the minister of defense we say, it's time for action; release the orders."
This ruling effectively ends a long-standing arrangement that has allowed ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students to avoid mandatory military service, which is required for most Israeli citizens who are Jewish, as well as to Druzen men.
