Netanyahu Tells Ultra-Orthodox Leaders He Will Delay Military Draft Law Until After Election

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed leaders of the ultra-Orthodox parties on Monday that he does not intend to advance a military draft law before the election. The notification occurred on Monday, May 11 2026. The election is set to take place by October.

The military draft law would exempt most draft-age ultra-Orthodox men from mandatory military service. Netanyahu delivered the message directly to the party leaders on that Monday evening as political pressure mounted inside his own Likud party. Haaretz reported the development in an article published at 02:20 PM on May 12 2026 IDT.

Aaron Rabinowitz wrote the Haaretz account that laid out the timing and the exemption at the center of the dispute. The decision puts off any legislative push on the contentious issue until after voters go to the polls later this year. Ultra-Orthodox parties have long sought to preserve the exemption for Haredi men of draft age.

Netanyahu's statement comes as Likud lawmakers express increasing unease over the coalition's handling of military service questions. The prime minister chose to convey his intentions in a closed meeting rather than through a public address. No further details on the leaders' immediate reactions appeared in the reporting.

The military draft law has been a persistent flashpoint in Israeli coalition politics for years. Delaying its advancement ensures the exemption framework remains untouched through the upcoming vote.