Archive · 24 Jun 2025
Israel's Mandatory Military Service and Exemptions Explained
In Israel, most Jewish people have to serve in the military.
However, some people don't have to go.
Arab citizens and religious Jewish women can avoid the draft.
People with health problems or those good at sports or arts can also have different rules.
Before 2024, some religious students didn't have to serve, but now things have changed.
There's a special group that decides if people who don't want to fight should be allowed to avoid the army.
Mandatory conscription in Israel applies to most Jewish citizens.
Exemptions exist for Arab citizens, religious Jewish women, and those with medical conditions.
Outstanding athletes and artists may receive flexible service terms.
Ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students previously deferred conscription but this changed in 2024.
The Conscience Committee assesses conscientious objectors.
- Who
- Jewish Israelis, Arab citizens, religious Jewish women, those with medical conditions, and outstanding athletes and artists.
- What
- Mandatory military service and exemptions in Israel.
- When
- Specific details regarding exemptions, including changes for ultra-Orthodox students.
- Where
- Israel
- Why
- To fulfill military service obligations and for national defense.
- Mandatory For
- Most Jewish Israelis
- Exemptions for
- Arab citizens, religious Jewish women, those with medical conditions
- Alternative Service
- Sherut Leumi (for religious Jewish women)
- Special consideration
- Outstanding athletes, dancers, or musicians
- Conscience Committee
- Evaluates conscientious objectors