'The Conscription Law' Danger to the National Security of Israel

Key Findings:

INSS has determined that the bill to amend the conscription law in its current form is unfathomable, especially after October 7. Its legislation endangers the model of the people’s army, is inconsistent with the needs of the army, and exacerbates the inequality. This legislation is argued to be a danger to the national security of the State of Israel.

Recommendations:

Legislation of a different amendment to the Security Service Law is based on the following guiding principles: 

Adapting to security needs: The law must reflect security needs and adapt to changes in security needs, following combat events and the likelihood of another campaign in the north. 

Preserving the model of the people’s army: The law must reflect the change in public attitudes after October 7 regarding the demand for equality in bearing the burden of service. 

Ensuring applicability: The law must take into account the system’s needs and the army’s capacity to actually implement it. It should reflect a sincere attempt to achieve practical results and not lead to a collapse of the model.

Expanding recruitment alongside maintaining army values: The law should aim for broad recruitment, gradually leading to similar recruitment rates in all sectors of the Jewish population, without contradicting other values of the army. 

Linking budget and governmental funding to military service: The law should reflect the principle of linking budget and governmental funding to military service, denying such funding to those who do not serve, except for a small, distinct group recognized as outstanding exceptions (“prodigies”).

Anchoring of civilian security service: Civilian security service should be anchored in frameworks like the Israel Police, Border Police, and Home Front security, which can quickly absorb large numbers of Haredim.

Implementing differentiated service and adjusting general conscription: Alongside the required extension of service due to the current situation, the service framework should be anchored according to the principle of differentiation, and selection criteria should be based on suitability rather than on gender or other characteristics.

Balancing between conflicting values: It must be ensured that integration into Haredi frameworks does not undermine other values that may come into conflict with the characteristics of these frameworks. It is necessary to ensure that the regulations are established by command and that the manner of implementing the command is clarified to the relevant commanders.