Israel’s Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled unanimously that the military must begin drafting ultra-Orthodox men for compulsory service, a landmark decision that could lead to the collapse of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition as Israel continues to wage war in Gaza.
The historic ruling effectively puts an end to a decades-old system that granted ultra-Orthodox men broad exemptions from military service while maintaining mandatory enlistment for the country’s secular Jewish majority.
The arrangement, deemed discriminatory by critics, has created a deep chasm in Israel’s Jewish majority over who should shoulder the burden of protecting the country.
The court struck down a law that codified exemptions in 2017, but repeated court extensions and government delaying tactics over a replacement dragged out a resolution for years.
The court ruled that in the absence of a law, Israel’s compulsory military service applies to the ultra-Orthodox like any other citizen.
Under longstanding arrangements, ultra-Orthodox men have been exempt from the draft, which is compulsory for most Jewish men and women, who serve three and two years respectively as well as reserve duty until around age 40.
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@S3curityUrchinForward2yrs2Y
That protest has setup by a very small Ultra-orthodox sect.
Most orthodox Jews understand that things have changed since October 7th and a new solution is required.
@PunditWalrusPatriot2yrs2Y
you force these people to serve that is exactly what they will do. they are about religion strict religion and family. they will end up in prisoned for staying true to their religious values. They are not pro Zionist either. as I said. Tyrant!
When the people revolt, that’s when there’ll be change within Israel.
It’s getting closer and closer
@ActivistBertSocialist2yrs2Y
Forcing everyone to face the consequences for Israel’s evil ways might be the only way to rein them in. Make em serve!!
Netanyahu is racing against the clock, appealing to the Supreme Court for a temporary pause on enforcing the military draft for ultra-Orthodox Jews.
Is this the tipping point for Israel's military policies?
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