NP > The fact that there is such a vast disagreement among Gedolim on a number of substantial related issues makes it all the more compelling when they agree regarding the point under discussion.
I am glad that we agreed on the first part. I just disagree on the second – that everyone know agrees. As I mentioned, I feel more comfortable to reason about past issues first as we understand them a little better before jumping into great unknowns of today. On past similar issues, R Soloveitchik seemed to disagree with many rabonim of his time on the issues of relations to the world, including some of the issues of army service. In my mind, current issues is similar to previous ones, but I am open to the arguments.
I already got one push back: I talked with one of the RJBS great students (I would not call him a “follower” as he is his own Rav) and he is as unsure as some of us are here. He says it is a legitimate issue in halakha that Talmidei Chachamim might be exempt from the Army. When I tried to clarify to whom it applies as not everyone is, he did not reject that but did want to discuss this aspect further. I think that means that he is moved by seeing so many religious Jews coming out together (and getting reports from people who enjoyed the meeting) that he finds it hard to argue against it even when it should be. I asked privately another Rov, whom I do not know well, who lives in two worlds – being both a very charedi and doing kiruv in somewhat “modern” environments. He praised the beauty and unit of the demonstration. When I asked him, with some reserve, whether he had any concerns – his face became red and he said “this is a discussion for another time”. I gave him a slightly funny look, and he added, unprompted “we can’t fully understand politics of another country”. After another funny look, he rushed into another excuse … So, here a person with more charedi bias seems also somewhat confused. So, here are my best attempts at collecting rabbinical responsa. I hope others can find someone they can ask and receive honest answers.