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Israel to encourage Christian Arabs to enlist in the IDF
It was announced yesterday that Christian Arab citizens of Israel will now be invited to enlist in the IDF alongside other Israelis of draft age. Until now, Christian Arabs wishing to enlist were required to initiate contact with the IDF themselves. However, they will now be sent voluntary draft notices, in response to increased enthusiasm for IDF service in some sections of the Christian Arab community.
Christians make up less than 10 per cent of Israel’s Arab community, which accounts for around one-fifth of Israel’s overall population. Like all Arab citizens, military service is not mandatory for Christians. However, it is estimated that around 1,500 Arabs are currently voluntarily serving in the IDF and that 50-55 Christians typically enlist each year.
Army Radio reported yesterday that the IDF will now encourage more Christians to serve by sending those of draft age a voluntary call-up paper. Although enlistment will remain strictly voluntary, it will simplify the process for those who wish to sign up. The move comes in response to an increase in Christian enlistment with 84 new recruits volunteering between June and December 2013.
Sections of the Christian communal leadership have vocally encouraged IDF service in recent months. Fr. Gabriel Nadaf from Nazareth, who established the Forum for Christian Enlistment in the IDF commented on yesterday’s announcement, calling it “a crucial step in improving the ability of the Christian community to integrate into Israeli society, with the rights and obligations that come with such a process.” He added, “Together with our Jewish brothers we have a joint fate in this land.”
However, Fr. Nadaf acknowledged that IDF service is a divisive issue within the Christian community. Opponents such as Balad Knesset member Basel Ghattas believe it fosters divisions between Christian and Muslim Arab Israelis. Speaking to Army Radio, Ghattas, himself a Christian, advised “all the young men in the [Christian] community to send back the enlistment orders or to burn them at a protest.”