Ultra-orthodox rabbi says citizens will leave Israel over draft, drawing ire from lawmakers - UPI.com
Sephardic chief rabbi of Israel sparks debate over military conscription.
- Bilawal Riaz
- 1 min read
Yitzhak Yosef, the Sephardic chief rabbi of Israel, has caused controversy by suggesting that citizens would leave the country if forced to be drafted into the military. This comes amid debates over exemptions for the Haredim community from mandatory military service. The Israeli Supreme Court had previously struck down blanket exemptions for Haredi yeshiva students, leading to calls for greater enlistment. Opposition figures have criticized Yosef’s comments, emphasizing the importance of military service and national security. Despite the government’s efforts to address the issue, the Haredim community appears resistant to compulsory enlistment, as seen in recent protests against conscription.