Equality requires universal draft, participation in economy and workforce, MK Liberman says
Ultra-Orthodox populations must join not only the military but also the job market if Israel is to have a sustainable economic future, Liberman said at the Ogen conference.
Israel’s current economic and social trajectory is unsustainable without greater labor market integration, MK Avigdor Liberman said Tuesday at the Ogen conference in Tel Aviv.
He emphasized that while equality in Israel requires universal military conscription, it will also require greater participation and contribution to the economy by the ultra-Orthodox population.
Liberman stressed that a universal project must be the first step towards creating a sustainable future.
Necessary changes in the workforce
“The first necessary correction is a universal bill. Without it we cannot move forward,” he said; however, from there he emphasized that changes were needed within the workforce.
“Equality in burden sharing goes far beyond military service,” Liberman said. “Only 53% of ultra-Orthodox men participate in the labor market, and a third of them work in the ultra-Orthodox education system.” Their productivity and income are significantly lower than the Israeli average. “
Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) protesters block Highway 4 near Bnei Brak during an anti-conscription demonstration, December 22, 2025. (credit: ERIK MARMOR/FLASH90)
According to Liberman, the extent of state support for the ultra-Orthodox sector contributes to the current negative economic trajectory.
“Annual subsidies to the ultra-Orthodox sector have reached 36 billion shekels. This is simply unsustainable,” he said.
In northern Israel, Liberman said political slogans have hindered efforts to solve the region’s real problems.
“Anyone who looks at the data, not the politics, sees a dark and deeply troubling picture in Kiryat Shmona,” he said. “It’s abandonment, and it may even be deliberate abandonment.”
Instead of political messages and slogans, Liberman urged politicians to focus on measurable indications of improvement.
“Look at how many residents have returned, how many businesses have reopened and what their turnover is. The reality speaks for itself,” Lieberman said.
