Can someone kindly provide a coherent, articulate explanation of the Israeli Yeshiva world’s opposition to the army draft in any shape or form?
The draft is a side point. I would imagine that many Rabbonim are happy regarding the status quo, as it forces their “students” out of mainstream society and into the bais medrash.
As Rav Chaim says, the draft is Sakanas Nefashos. Charadi Israeli society does not build up the individual bochur to the point where they can withstand the temptation of the outside world. If you think the OTD rate is high now, imagine what it would be like when Charadim get jobs and realize that they can have when their neighbor the DL has and still be a Oved Hashem! Or even worse, decide that their neighbor the non-frum has a better life and joins him.
Simply put, avoiding the draft is a matter of survival for Charaidi society.