In a survey conducted by the ultra-Orthodox news site Kikar Ha-Shabbat in collaboration with the Netunei Emet public opinion research institute, 78% of participants highlighted significant spiritual risks associated with military service. Only 9% viewed the risk as average, while 12% believed there was no risk.
Respondents were asked an extended question, "Why don't the ultra-Orthodox serve?", with the option to choose multiple answers.
Fifty-six percent preferred "Our duty is to study the Torah." Forty-seven percent cited "The army is not suitable for the ultra-Orthodox," while 33% stated, "The army wants to re-educate us." 32% mentioned the rabbinical ban on serving, and 16% believed the army is not interested in ultra-Orthodox soldiers.
Regarding the question of whether ultra-Orthodox individuals not studying in a yeshiva should serve in the army, 55% of respondents agreed, 24% disagreed, and 17% partially agreed.
The survey also addressed economic sanctions proposed against ultra-Orthodox individuals refusing conscription. 59% percent stated they would not compromise on draft-related matters, while 33% believed the threat of sanctions might compel them to consider military service. 8% were open to certain compromises in similar situations.
As an alternative to regular military service, 37% suggested creating structures in the army tailored to the needs of the ultra-Orthodox. Twenty-four percent favored ultra-Orthodox civil service for community benefit (in paramedical organizations, etc.).
22% percent proposed conscripting those not studying in yeshivas into the IDF, and 17% felt there was no solution to the current crisis due to the prohibition against ultra-Orthodox serving in the army.
