This is a big problem for the army because it will affect their operations. The army needs to understand that fewer and fewer people are willing to do their dirty work in the territories. The issue is a divisive one in Israeli society because many Orthodox students win exemption from military service on the grounds that they must put their religious studies first. The problem is particularly pressing now as reservists are being brought in to replace regular soldiers who are due for a rest at the end of a four-month tour of duty. Some senior army officers believe that jailing draft dodgers could exacerbate the situation by uniting opposition to the draft and even spurring greater numbers to avoid duty.
More draft dodgers means fewer soldiers for the missions.
The workload will increase, not to mention the level of danger. I do not want my men to feel like suckers. The army is also having to deal with thousands of petitions from parents who do not want their sons to do their national service in the occupied territories. Many have telephoned commanding officers begging them to find safe desk jobs for their sons. The mother of six says the army has attempted to buy her son Yinnon off by offering him a job in a hospital.