Israel's upcoming October 27 election campaign is largely dominated by the contentious issue of whether the country's ultra-Orthodox Jewish minority should serve in the military. An estimated 80,000 ultra-Orthodox men aged 18-24 currently avoid military service, a figure that has gained significance amid Israeli army staff shortages.

The debate intensified after a 2024 Supreme Court ruling mandated the drafting of ultra-Orthodox men, leading to street protests. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, which relies on the support of Haredi parties, has struggled to pass an exemption bill. Netanyahu recently stated his opposition to the arrest of 40 Haredim for draft evasion, arguing for non-coercive conscription to preserve Torah study.

A September poll by the Israel Democracy Institute found that 72% of Israelis support drafting Haredim. Opposition parties are leveraging the issue, with former Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot framing the election as a choice between "Netanyahu's draft-dodging government" and a "government of conscription." Haredi parties have vowed to reject any coalition that does not pass laws exempting their community members from military service.