Military service exemptions and deferrals in Israel represent a complex system designed to balance national security needs with individual circumstances, constitutional rights, and practical considerations. The Israeli Defense Service Law provides the legal framework for these exemptions, recognizing that while military service is a fundamental civic duty, certain circumstances warrant temporary or permanent release from this obligation. Understanding these provisions is essential for Israeli citizens and potential immigrants to navigate their military service requirements effectively.
Legal Framework and Authority
The exemption system operates under the Israeli Security Service Law, which grants specific authorities the power to make exemption decisions. According to section 36 of the Security Service Law, the security minister may exempt certain people from army service in the IDF, for reasons related to the volume of the military forces or reserve forces, or for reasons related to educational needs, settlement needs, security needs, economy needs, family needs and various other reasons. In accordance with section 5 of the Security Service Law, a medical board is authorized to determine if a candidate is unfit for national security service. This legal structure ensures that exemption decisions are made through established procedures with appropriate oversight and review mechanisms.
The IDF’s conscription laws only apply to three communities: the Jews, the Druze, and the Circassians. Both men and women are drafted from the Jewish community, whereas only men are drafted from the Druze and Circassian communities. This selective application means that exemption procedures and criteria may differ between communities. Additionally, Arab citizens of Israel (who constitute about 21% of the Israeli population) are also exempted from military service. This exemption does not originate via Israeli statutory law, but is instead based on the guidelines of the IDF Human Resource Department, issued under the IDF’s discretionary powers pursuant to the law.
Statistical Overview of Exemptions
The scale of exemptions and non-service in the Israeli military system is significant, affecting a substantial portion of each age cohort. According to 2007 IDF figures, the largest single group of young (Jewish) Israelis who avoided conscription consisted of women who claim exemptions on religious grounds. This group made up 35% of all women eligible for the draft. Amongst males, the overall percentage of non-participation was 27.7%. This figure included 11.2% for Torato Omanuto, 7.3% for medical and psychological grounds, 4.7% because of criminal records and 4.2% because of residing abroad.
More recent statistics show that by 2020, about 32.9% of men and 44.3% of women received exemptions from IDF service, and an additional 15% of men dropped out before completing their term of service. These figures indicate that refraining from the draft has become relatively common, particularly among Israeli women. The trends suggest increasing rates of exemption over time, reflecting both demographic changes and evolving social attitudes toward military service.
Medical and Psychological Exemptions (Profile 21)
Medical exemption (“Profile 21”) is granted to those who were diagnosed with a medical or mental health condition which deems them unfit for military service. The exemption process might be tiring and long, but it usually doesn’t involve risks, such as imprisonment. The medical profile system uses a numerical scale from 21 (indicating the lowest level of fitness and resulting in automatic disqualification from IDF service) to 97 (representing peak fitness and enabling individuals to apply for any unit within the IDF). Profile 21 represents total unfitness for military service for health reasons (physical or mental).
The process for obtaining a medical exemption requires comprehensive documentation and evaluation. For mental health exemptions, individuals can meet with psychologists and ask for meeting summaries. If already being treated by a mental health professional, it’s best to ask for documentation, as a continuous therapeutic relationship might strengthen the value of the document. For youth designated for service, a letter from the school teacher or consultant may also help, though it might not be sufficient for securing an appointment with a military psychologist (Kaban).
The IDF has implemented measures to ensure the authenticity of medical and psychological exemptions. Between 2006-2007, 6% of all military service applicants were discharged for mental health reasons, leading to reforms to reduce fraudulent claims. As part of these reforms, the IDF has boosted inspection on exemptions issued by non-military psychiatrists. Teens were known to show up at recruiting centers with psychiatric opinions bought for thousands of shekels from leading doctors. These reforms have been successful, with the number of those exempted on mental health grounds dropping from 6% to 4.5% by 2010.
Religious Exemptions
Religious exemptions represent one of the largest categories of non-service, particularly affecting Jewish women and ultra-Orthodox men. Female Jewish draftees can be exempt due to marriage, pregnancy, motherhood, or religious commitments, including observing dietary and Sabbath travel laws, in accordance with §39 and §40 of the Security Service Law. This type of exemption is granted to female candidates for service who declare they keep Kosher, avoid driving on Sabbat, and live religiously. The military usually checks the level of religiousness of the exemption seeker, especially if she comes from a non-religious background.
The ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) exemption system underwent dramatic changes in 2024. Under a special arrangement (Torato Umanuto), male Haredi students who were issued a draft notice could be granted a total exemption from service so long as they remained enrolled at their yeshiva for religious studies. In June 2024, Israel’s Supreme Court unanimously ruled that Haredi Jews were eligible for compulsory service, ending nearly eight decades of exemption. The army began drafting Haredi men the following month, fundamentally altering this long-standing arrangement.
As a result of concerns about fraudulent religious exemptions, the Israeli military tightened the way it handles cases in which Jewish women request an exemption on religious grounds, through investigating the truthfulness of their claims, in order to expose young women who lied about being religious. Common fraudulent practices include marrying with the sole purpose of receiving the exemption granted to all married women, without any intention of the actual realization of the marriage, displaying false medical certificates or pretending to be ill, and claiming religious observance while not actually being religious.
Exemptions for Marriage, Pregnancy, and Parenthood
Family status exemptions recognize the practical challenges of military service for individuals with significant family obligations. Married men older than 22 and married women older than 21 are often allowed not to serve if they have children. Some exemptions from conscription are based on the requirement to maintain family responsibilities, especially for parents of young children. Parental status also affects military service under conscription, as citizens who are parents of young children may be exempt from mandatory military duty.
For immigrants, family considerations play an important role in exemption determinations. Parents are generally excused from the obligation to join the IDF. The requirements may vary depending on the age of arrival in Israel and specific family circumstances. Additionally, certain requirements may apply to individuals who have reached the age cap for conscription but still have family obligations that prevent service.
Educational Deferrals and Professional Exemptions
Educational deferrals represent one of the most common and accepted forms of temporary exemption from military service. One of the most common reasons for deferral is the pursuit of higher education. The IDF allows individuals to delay their service to complete academic degrees, particularly in fields that align with national needs, such as medicine or engineering. These deferrals require enrollment in an accredited institution, academic performance that meets IDF requirements, and commitment to enlist upon completion of studies.
Professional exemptions exist for certain categories of skilled workers whose expertise is deemed essential to national interests. Doctors who arrive in Israel before the age of 33 must serve a minimum of 24 months. This requirement applies to all citizens regardless of their marital status or other exemptions they may qualify for, requiring additional medical assessments depending on the specific needs of the army. Dentists younger than 34 years old who move to Israel must complete at least two years of conscription. Women doctors under the age of 29 can sometimes avoid military participation if they meet other conditions for exemption, like marriage and children.
Exemptions for Criminal Records
Individuals with criminal records may be exempted from military service, though these cases are subject to review and individual assessment. The nature and severity of the criminal record, as well as its relevance to military service, are considered in making exemption decisions. Criminal record exemptions represented 4.7% of male non-participation in military service according to 2007 figures, indicating that this represents a significant but not overwhelming category of exemptions.
Conscientious Objection and Pacifist Exemptions
Israel recognizes conscientious objection as a legitimate ground for exemption, though the process is rigorous and few individuals receive exemptions on these grounds. This type of exemption is granted to candidates for service whose application to be recognized as pacifists was approved by the military’s own consciousness committee. This process of obtaining exemption might be long, and it is very much recommended to consult specialized counseling networks prior to initiating it.
Exemption from service is granted if the committee is persuaded that their pacifism is sincere and meets the agreed criteria. Only a few individuals each year are granted an exemption on grounds of pacifism; all other self-declared pacifists are required to enlist. The military prefers to discharge soldiers, including those who pretend to have psychological problems, as long as their discharge is not based on conscientious objection, suggesting that conscientious objection exemptions are viewed as more problematic by military authorities.
Expatriate Status and Living Abroad
Israeli citizens living abroad may be exempt from military service obligations, depending on certain circumstances and criteria. Israeli citizens living abroad who have formally established residency in another country may be eligible to request an exemption from military service. Exemptions are typically granted on a case-by-case basis and are subject to approval by the Israeli government. Factors such as the individual’s age, length of time living abroad, and the reasons for being overseas may all be taken into consideration when determining eligibility for exemption.
The Defense Service Law applies to every Israeli citizen living in Israel or abroad, including those who have additional citizenship, and those who are living abroad permanently. The obligation to perform regular military service applies to every man between the ages of 18 and 29 inclusive, and to every woman between the ages of 18 and 26 inclusive, who are fit for duty, except for physicians. Israeli citizens living abroad who are eligible for military service can use specific procedures to regularize their status to defer service with the Israel Defense Forces.
Incompatibility and Adjustment Difficulties
The IDF recognizes that some individuals may be unsuitable for military service due to various factors unrelated to medical or religious considerations. Before enlistment, this type of exemption is granted to candidates for service whom the Israeli Military determined as standing below its enlistment standards. During service, such exemption may be granted due to “problematic” behaviors, such as long absences from service, long imprisonment, conviction for grave offenses, and more.
When there is a surplus of recruits, the military often raises the threshold required of recruits, and grants an exemption due to incompatibility to a much larger number of recruits. There is a widespread phenomenon of granting exemption from military service because of incompatibility to female candidates who were identified as having a low medical profile and/or low motivation to serve. In such cases the reason for the exemption would usually be stated as: “Excess of female recruits.”
The IDF can also determine that a draftee has adjustment difficulties. A soldier with adjustment difficulties would not serve as a combat soldier. Those soldiers who suffer from a difficult adjustment to military service rather than psychological problems will be classified under profile 41 instead of profile 21, which warrants easier conditions of service due to “adjustment difficulties” rather than complete exemption.
Alternative National Service (Sherut Leumi)
For individuals who are exempt from mandatory military service but wish to contribute to Israeli society, alternative service (Sherut Leumi) offers a pathway to national service. This service involves working in various sectors, including healthcare, education, social welfare, and environmental protection. Female draftees who state that they maintain a religious Jewish way of life are exempt from military service, and many of them choose to volunteer for an alternative national service called Sherut Leumi.
This alternative service provides a way for those who cannot or choose not to serve in the military to still contribute to national needs while respecting their personal circumstances or beliefs. The program has been particularly popular among religious women who wish to serve their country while maintaining their religious lifestyle and obligations.
Temporary Deferrals and Profile Classifications
The military medical profile system includes temporary classifications that may lead to deferrals rather than permanent exemptions. Profile 24 represents temporarily unfit for service (severe sensitivity to bee stings, temporary low BMI, anemia). The soldier gets a temporary exemption and gets monitored every few months with the possibility of raising his profile. This allows individuals with temporary health issues to potentially serve once their condition improves.
The draft process begins with a Tzav Rishon (first draft notice) sent to individuals at the age of 16.5. This notice marks the start of pre-draft evaluations, which include medical examinations and various assessments. This extended evaluation period allows for proper assessment of individual circumstances and determination of appropriate service classifications or exemptions.
Implications and Future Considerations
The exemption and deferral system reflects the complex challenges facing Israeli society in balancing military manpower needs with individual rights and circumstances. The high rates of exemption, particularly among certain demographic groups, have led to ongoing debates about fairness and the sustainability of the current system. The 2024 Supreme Court ruling ending the Haredi exemption represents a significant step toward equalizing the burden of military service, though implementation challenges remain substantial.
The economic and social implications of military exemptions extend beyond the military sphere, affecting employment opportunities, social integration, and individual life trajectories. An individual’s military service is usually a topic of discussion in many job interviews in Israel, and is information job seekers usually would add to their resume. However, in 2003 the Regional Court in Tel Aviv declared that the requirement of military service as a precondition to be hired for a position constitutes discrimination and is forbidden if military service is not relevant for that position.
Looking forward, the IDF faces fundamental questions about the sustainability of its current exemption and deferral system. Demographic trends, changing social attitudes, and evolving security needs all contribute to pressures for reform. The success or failure of efforts to integrate previously exempt communities into military service will have lasting implications for military effectiveness, social equality, and national unity. The resolution of these challenges will help shape the character of Israeli society and the relationship between different communities within the state for generations to come.