Israel imposes military conscription on ultra-Orthodox communities
Demand is made for the immediate enlistment of ultra-Orthodox males in Israel's military service. This decision was backed by Israel's Supreme Court, causing controversy for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.
The court's judgment, which has dismantled the exemptions for draft-age ultra-Orthodox males, is a heavy blow to Netanyahu's right-religious administration. The court's ruling states that the current circumstances require an immediate solution due to the ongoing war and increased burden.
The court's decision followed two petitions that challenged the continued exemption of ultra-Orthodox males from military service. The court declared that there is no legal basis for the exemption.
This issue has been a challenge for Netanyahu's government, especially in light of the ongoing Gaza War. The stability of the coalition could be compromised by the potential disapproval of religious partners who oppose the drafting of young men from their community.
End of a long-standing exception
For years, the ultra-Orthodox males have been exempted from military service in Israel, but this exception has expired three months ago. The government, led by Netanyahu, failed to pass a law to maintain these exemptions. As a result, the Supreme Court withdrew state subsidies for ultra-Orthodox men who study in religious schools. At the end of March, the State Prosecutor also called for the military to draft previously exempted religious students.
According to the court, around 63,000 men are affected. The army had earlier warned of a shortage of combat soldiers due to the Gaza War. Critics argue that prior exceptions for ultra-Orthodox males were unfair. The ongoing Gaza War has further exacerbated the tension between factions. Regularly, men in Israel are required to serve for three years, while women serve for two years on a voluntary basis.
Disagreements over a law that gradually conscripts more religious men for military service led to the breakdown of the government coalition in 2018. However, there are also ultra-Orthodox men who choose to join the military. Strictly religious women are only recruited on a voluntary basis.
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The court's ruling on the expiration of exemptions for ultra-Orthodox males in compulsory military service in Israel has sparked significant debates within Prime Minister Netanyahu's government. This compulsory enlistment of ultra-Orthodox males, upheld by the Supreme Court, is seen as a major judgments challenging the long-standing exception in Israel.
