u003ca href=u0022https://www.timesofisrael.com/poll-almost-half-of-jewish-israelis-support-making-idf-a-professional-army/u0022u003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003ePolling over the last few yearsu003c/spanu003eu003c/au003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e shows growing support among Israelis for a professional, rather than a conscripted army. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has had a mandatory conscription policy since the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. All Israeli citizens, with few exceptions, are required to serve in the IDF for a period of 2-3 years for men, and 2 years for women, after reaching the age of 18. So why, in recent years, has there been a growing debate over whether Tzahal should continue its draft policy?u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eOne argument is that the current system is unfair and discriminatory. Some argue that certain groups, such as ultra-Orthodox Jews and Arab Israelis, are exempt from the draft or are not required to serve for the full term, creating a sense of inequality and resentment. Others argue that the draft unfairly targets certain groups, such as low-income families, who may not have the same resources to support their children through their military service.u003c/spanu003ernrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eAnother argument against the draft is that it is not necessary for national security. Some argue that Israel’s military capabilities are sufficient to defend the country without mandatory conscription. They argue that a professional army, made up of volunteers, would be more effective and efficient than a conscripted army.u003c/spanu003ernrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eDefenders of the status quo argue that it is still necessary for national security. Israel faces significant security threats, including ongoing conflicts with neighboring countries and the threat of terrorism. Supporters of the draft argue that mandatory conscription ensures that the country has a strong and capable military that can protect itself.u003c/spanu003ernrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eAnother defense of keeping the draft is that it promotes social cohesion and national unity. Military service is seen as a rite of passage for many Israelis, and serving in the IDF is considered a way to contribute to the country and demonstrate patriotism. Some argue that the draft fosters a sense of shared sacrifice and national identity, which is essential for the cohesion of Israeli society.u003c/spanu003ernrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eSo what should Israel do? In this episode, Amy defends the draft, while Calev argues against it. And the whole shebang is moderated by Mike. u003c/spanu003ernrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eLet us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think! u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eThis episode was recorded and edited by the amazingu003c/spanu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.benwallick.com/u0022u003e u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eBen Wallick Studiosu003c/spanu003eu003c/au003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e. Ben is awesome!u003c/spanu003ernrnu003ca href=u0022https://www.masaisrael.org/u0022u003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eMasa Websiteu003c/spanu003eu003c/au003ernrnu003ca href=u0022https://www.facebook.com/TheIsraelConversationu0022u003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eFacebook pageu003c/spanu003eu003c/au003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003ePlease rate, review, share and recommend our podcast.u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eIf you have further questions about Israel, please feel free to contact your Masa teacher.u003c/spanu003ernu003ch3u003eListen to Should the IDF End the Draft Podcast by the Israel Conversation:u003c/h3u003ernu003ciframe title=u0022Blubrry Podcast Playeru0022 src=u0022https://player.blubrry.com/id/94499547?cache=1683706514#textcolor-Darku0026amp;backgroundcolor-ffffffu0022 width=u0022100%u0022 height=u0022230pxu0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 scrolling=u0022nou0022u003eu003c/iframeu003ernrnu003ca href=u0022https://open.spotify.com/show/3P93lELg6UWDXuFp5IgUAGu0022u003eu003cimg class=u0022alignnone size-full wp-image-680133u0022 src=u0022https://www.masaisrael.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/spotify-logo-for-website-1.jpgu0022 alt=u0022the israel conversation on spotify podcastsu0022 width=u0022240u0022 height=u0022195u0022 /u003eu003c/au003eu003ca href=u0022https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-israel-conversation/id1140084109u0022u003eu003cimg class=u0022alignnone size-full wp-image-680135u0022 src=u0022https://www.masaisrael.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/apple-2.jpgu0022 alt=u0022the israel conversation on apple podcastsu0022 width=u0022240u0022 height=u0022195u0022 /u003eu003c/au003e
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