War Resisters in the Land of Battle

Legally, Israeli conscientious objectors have no official status. They fall under a broad statute that allows the Ministry of Defense to deal with special cases and to declare such people unfit to serve. In practice, exemptions are rare. Military service is an obligation for all men and women at age 18, except for Orthodox women and men studying at a yeshivah. Deferments because of other study, critical occupations, or minor physical disabilities are rare. After completion of their service, m...