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2000: The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) estimates that about one half of the Israeli population has completed military service.

Military service is compulsory at age 18 for most Israelis; exceptions are made for the ultra-Orthodox. Men serve for three years and women for two, with reserve service for men lasting until age 51 and for single women until age 24.


	Israeli Women in the Military http://search.npr.org/cf/cmn/segment_display .cfm?segID=6462
	In Israel, both men and women are drafted for compulsory military service, but women's service is shorter, and they don't serve in combat units. Many people say it's time for a change.
	Military Service http://search.npr.org/cf/cmn/segment_display .cfm?segID=41511
	Every Jewish 18-year-old is drafted in the military in Israel, but enthusiasm for service seems to be waning.
	Talmud Students Exempt from Military http://search.npr.org/cf/cmn/segment_display .cfm?segID=72575
	NPR reports on the debate over whether ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students will continue to be exempt from military service in Israel.
	Israel Military http://search.npr.org/cf/cmn/segment_display .cfm?segID=76191
	The Israeli parliament has given first-round approval to compromise legislation that allows ultra-Orthodox seminary students to forgo or shorten military service.