Israel faces reservist extension deadline

Israel faces a deadline today to renew an exemption allowing reservists to serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) past the age of 40.

According to Israel’s existing law, IDF soldiers must serve in the reserves until the end of the calendar year in which they turn 40, but an exemption was debated in the Knesset amid the war in Gaza. A two-month extension was agreed upon in late December, when thousands of men who have reached the age of 40 were due to be released from service. A current bill would extend the period until the end of 2024.

The bill comes amidst a public debate about the justification for a decades-long blanket exemption from IDF service for Haredi men. Overall, only 22% of Israelis support the exemption, and only less than 3% of Israelis identifying as secular. Nevertheless, canceling the exemption could be politically controversial, as Netanyahu’s ruling coalition relies heavily on right-wing religious parties who represent the interests of the Haredi community. That makes the exemption for Haredi men likely to stay in place, though expect the Knesset to support the expansion of IDF enrollment through other policies, such as extending the age of service.