Dear MTAB,
I agree that the Israeli government should reconsider whether mandatory enlistment is necessary in our times. However, the focus of this post is whether illegal and sometimes violent protests against the need for yeshiva students to register for a deferment.
Being said, the need for foot soldiers in a modern-day army has been greatly reduced due to hi-tech advancements in modern-day warfare. At the push of a button, a soldier can launch a guided missile, which is generally more effective in destroying the enemy than a foot soldier’s shooting from his M16 rifle.
I partially agree with MTAB’s statement that the goal of the IDF is to create a cohesive (and secular) Israeli society. The IDF is the last bastion of the “religion” of secular Zionism. But to its credit, Shabbat and kosher food at IDF bases is the law (although not always enforced).
More and more religious soldiers are top brass in the IDF. At the IDF base in Tsrifim, there is even a men’s mikva for the soldiers who are makpid about tevilas Ezra. Yes, the Israeli army has problems (particular tznius issues). But there have been changes for the better in the last few years.
Disclaimer: Although I have personally volunteered in the IDF, none of my children have served in the IDF; They serve the Nation by learning Torah in yeshivos/kollels.
If it could be proved that there is no need from a military perspective for mandatory army service, then I think everyone in Israeli society would be happy to create a professional cadre of army volunteers — like in the USA and other Western countries.
And offer to pay the IDF volunteers generously for their service. At present, soldiers receive only a few hundred shekels a month for their service.