How Ultra-Orthodox Perks Set Israel Election Agenda

The hefty benefits that ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties have wrested from Israeli governments for decades have been a source of resentment for many in the country. But it took an on-again, off-again ally of Benjamin Netanyahu to turn it into the issue that could lead to the prime minister’s political demise. When former defense minister Avigdor Liberman, protesting ultra-Orthodox military draft privileges, unexpectedly refused to join a Netanyahu-led government, the prime minister had to abandon efforts to form a coalition after an April election. Now, ahead of a Sept. 17 revote, polls suggest Liberman’s stance has strengthened him enough to put him in a position to force Israel’s longest-serving leader from office.

The government allows ultra-Orthodox, or haredi, men enrolled in religious studies to avoid army service, which is compulsory for other Jewish males. (Jewish women are also drafted but can claim exemption based on religious observance.) The concession has set a pattern of lifelong religious study for many haredi men, who can receive stipends from the government until 67, the retirement age. Those who seek jobs are often unprepared for the modern workforce because ultra-Orthodox boys’ schools focus heavily -- and by high school, exclusively -- on religious learning. The military exemptions also deny the ultra-Orthodox the connections and training army service affords. As a result, while many haredi women work, their large families -- an average of about seven children each -- frequently rely on government handouts. The birth rate among the ultra-Orthodox, who account for 12% of the country’s 9 million people, is triple that of other Israeli Jews.