Knesset Extends Age of Exemption from Reserve Service Amid Controversy

Knesset has approved a bill to raise the age of exemption from reserve service, passing it in second and third readings as part of a temporary order. The proposal garnered support from coalition members, though notably absent were members of the state camp. Opposition voices were quick to object to the decision.

Under the approved proposal, the temporary order extends the exemption age from reserve service by a year until June 30, 2024. Originally set for a two-month period, the order was due to expire on February 29.

The specifics of the bill outline the new exemption ages: for non-officer army veterans, exemption will be granted at age 41 instead of 40; for officers leaving the army, exemption will be granted at age 46 instead of 45. Moreover, for military veterans occupying certain professions or positions established by the Minister of Defense, such as those in medicine, air forces, mechanics, and technicians, the exemption age will be raised to 50 instead of 49.

During the period of the raised exemption age, call-ups to reserve service will be limited to positions within the fighting formation, except in cases of emergency.

Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Security Committee, MK Yuli Edelstein (Likud), who introduced the bill, emphasized the need to balance the military's requirements for operational competence with the citizens' well-being. He stated, "We must do our best to guarantee the rights of our citizens and take care of their well-being, especially in these difficult days."

In contrast, MK Merav Ben Ari (Yesh Atid) criticized the decision, highlighting the necessity for all citizens to share the burden of military service. She expressed concern over the perceived expansion of evasion mechanisms and vowed to continue fighting until a more equitable burden-sharing framework is established.

The bill's passage underscores ongoing debates within Israeli society regarding military service obligations and the allocation of burdens among its citizens.