Haredim, like all citizens in a democracy, should have the right of conscientious objection
i.e. the right to not serve in the military if it violates their religious princicples. This right is universally recognized by virtually all legal conventions but is only partially adhered to by Israel. Currently, only women are permitted to cite religion as a reason for not serving - this right of CO does not apply to men.
A CO law in Israel which applied to all who had, and could legitimately prove, moral/religious objections to military service would solve this problem. Haredim - as well as pacifists and other varieties of military objectors - could follow their conscience and this right would not then be a "privilege" extended ONLY to haredim - as is currently the case.
What engenders so much anti-Haredi bitterness is that the right to refrain from military service is extended only to them - which they then claim as an entitlement. A CO law would solve this. |
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