In a dramatic turn of events, the Israeli military has announced it will begin sending draft notices to Jewish ultra-Orthodox men in response to a historic court order. This decision has the potential to shake up Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, as the exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men from military service have long been a contentious issue in Israeli society.
The Supreme Court ruling deemed the exemption system discriminatory, sparking outrage among the general public after months of conflict with Hamas militants in Gaza. The enlistment process is set to begin next week, but the army has not specified when ultra-Orthodox men will be expected to start serving or how many are anticipated to enlist.
The ultra-Orthodox community argues that their religious studies are vital to the country’s future, and fear that their traditional way of life will be threatened if their followers are drafted into the army. Netanyahu’s government, reliant on the support of ultra-Orthodox parties, faces potential collapse if these changes are implemented.
Past attempts to draft ultra-Orthodox men have resulted in mass protests, such as the recent demonstration that saw hundreds of men blocking a highway in Bnei Brak. Tensions escalated as police intervened, making arrests and facing resistance from the protesters.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains uncertain how ultra-Orthodox leaders will respond to the draft notices. With the possibility of early elections looming, the fate of Israel’s government hangs in the balance. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
