The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has announced plans to begin drafting yeshiva students this Sunday, a move that has ignited fierce opposition within the country’s religious communities.

“As of now, while no legislation has been agreed on the status of the yeshiva students, do not answer any draft orders including initial orders and you should not show up at draft centers,” a public letter by the Knesset’s Shas party reads.

United Torah Judaism party leader Rabbi Dov Lando issued a similar statement accusing the government of “declaring war against God.”

“Since the army’s hands are bound in iron chains by the judges, and any compliance with the courts’ edicts amounts to surrender in their war on God and his Torah, yeshiva members are therefore instructed to not show up at draft offices at all or answer any summons.”

Legal protection shielding yeshiva students from military service was shattered by Israel’s High Court decision last month, which ruled they are no longer exempt from conscription. The court also instructed the state to cease funding yeshivas that encourage their students to dodge the draft. Immediately afterwards the IDF began initial preparations to draft 3,000 yeshiva students.

The issue of Orthodox military service has long been a contentious topic in Israel. Historically, the IDF has imposed a universal draft on its population while still offering exemptions and deferrals to various groups such as full-time yeshiva students, religious Jewish women, and the majority of Arabs citizens .

Criticism of the IDF’s mixed conscription policy grew in the 1990’s, leading to the establishment of the Tal Committee. This committee was tasked with developing a plan to encourage religious men to enlist. As a result, the IDF formed the Netzah Yehuda Battalion which is specifically designed to accommodate the needs of observant soldiers.

Editors Note:  Although to many it might seem strange why there is such strong opposition by Israel’s religious community to help the war effort in Gaza, it’s important to know their beliefs are rooted in safeguarding the nation’s Jewish identity from inappropriate secularization.