My conversation with Ben Gvir on the Haredi Draft
Israel is facing one of its most heated internal debates the Haredi draft crisis. As the Supreme Court pushes for equality in national service and political parties clash, the tension between the secular and religious communities has reached new levels. Secular Israelis argue that army service should be a universal duty, while many Haredim insist that Torah study is their way of defending the nation spiritually. The result is a divide that feels deeper than ever, threatening the unity of the Jewish people.
Wanting to understand this issue from the perspective of Israel’s leaders, I reached out directly to Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir. Known for his unapologetic stance on Jewish identity and security, I wanted to hear how he views the balance between Torah and military service.
MINISTER BEN GVIR’S MESSAGE
“My position is well known,” Ben Gvir told me. “I believe enlistment is a mitzvah. At the same time, unlike others who are just trying to incite, I love the Haredi public, I embrace them, and I believe that we can create frameworks like Haredi Magav (Border Police), which is one of the most beautiful projects.”
This response reflects a rare balance. Ben Gvir isn’t interested in fueling hatred between sectors of society. He acknowledges the spiritual importance of Torah study while affirming that national defense is also a sacred duty. His mention of “Haredi Magav” a unit designed for ultra-Orthodox Jews who want to serve while preserving their religious lifestyle points to a possible solution, create service tracks that respect both faith and security needs.
TORAH AND SECURITY HAND IN HAND
Ben Gvir’s stance made me think about the bigger picture. Israel can’t afford to pit Torah against the army it needs both. For some, serving the nation means picking up a rifle; for others, it means dedicating hours in the beit midrash, learning Torah with real commitment. Both protect the Jewish nation in different but equally vital ways.
The real issue arises when yeshiva study is used as a loophole not as genuine dedication to Torah. Ben Gvir’s words seem to call for authenticity: serve with your body or your soul, but don’t hide behind excuses.
A CALL FOR UNITY
The draft debate is more than just policy it’s a test of whether Israel can remain one nation with one heart. When secular Israelis mock Haredim, or when Haredim protest with anger and disrespect, both sides lose. What’s needed is a new understanding: every Jew has a role, and that role must be honored, whether on the battlefield or in the beit midrash.
Ben Gvir’s comment “I love the Haredi public, I embrace them” is not just political rhetoric. It’s a reminder that this fight must end in partnership, not division. Israel’s strength has always come from its ability to hold both the sword and the book.
LOOKING AHEAD
If Israel can adopt this mindset valuing both Torah and the IDF, creating service options that respect religious lifestyles while ensuring fairness we might find a way out of this crisis. As a young Jew watching from abroad, I believe this is not just Israel’s challenge but the challenge of the entire Jewish people.
We must remember: Torah and the army don’t compete they complete each other. Only by embracing both can Israel continue to thrive as a strong, united Jewish state.
