A shift in the demographic and ideological makeup of the Israeli military has increased the political influence of the national-religious community.
Key facts
- •National-religious soldiers make up about 40 percent of infantry officer school graduates despite representing 12 to 14 percent of the population.
- •The 2005 Gaza disengagement led religious Zionist leaders to encourage youth to enter the military to exert influence from within.
- •A study in the journal Maarachot found a tenfold increase in national-religious infantry officer cadets between 1990 and 2008.
- •The Israel Democracy Institute reports that 65 percent of Israelis now believe the 'Purity of Arms' doctrine hinders the army's mission.
- •The Netzah Yehuda battalion was suspended by the army chief of staff following an incident involving an illegal West Bank outpost.
The Israeli military is experiencing a structural transformation as the national-religious community gains significant influence within its ranks. This shift, accelerated by the Gaza War, has seen religious Zionist soldiers take on a larger share of combat roles and officer positions. As a result, this community has gained moral standing that complicates political and military oversight of their conduct.
By the numbers
Demographic Shift in the Military
Historically dominated by the secular middle class, the Israeli military has seen a rise in national-religious representation since the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Today, the national-religious community, which comprises roughly 12 to 14 percent of Jewish Israeli society, accounts for approximately 40 percent of infantry officer school graduates. This change was driven by institutions like hesder yeshivot and pre-army academies that emphasize both religious instruction and military service.
Ideological Influence and Conduct
The influence of the hardal sector—a nationalist-religious minority—has grown within the military, leading to concerns over the adherence to the army's 'Purity of Arms' ethical code. Incidents including the establishment of illegal West Bank outposts and reports of detainee abuse have highlighted tensions between rabbinic authority and military regulations. Some commanders have been described as operating with unusual autonomy, and military leadership has faced political pressure when attempting to discipline soldiers for misconduct.
Political Impact of Military Sacrifice
The high casualty rates among religious Zionist soldiers since October 7, 2023, have granted the community significant political legitimacy. Former security officials note that criticizing the community's conduct now carries a political cost, as they are perceived to be bearing the greatest burden of the war. This dynamic has influenced how politicians approach issues such as the potential evacuation of West Bank settlements and the enforcement of military discipline.
Timeline
- 1973The Yom Kippur War marked the beginning of a shift in military demographics as the secular elite moved toward private sector careers.
- 1999The Netzah Yehuda battalion was created to bring ultra-Orthodox men into the military.
- August 2005Israel evacuated 8,000 settlers from Gaza, prompting religious Zionist leaders to prioritize internal influence within the military.
- October 7, 2023The start of the Gaza War accelerated the political and social influence of the national-religious community.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by War on the Rocks.
