Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to revoke exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews from Israeli military service, a move crucial for his coalition’s survival amid mounting political pressure.
Addressing reporters, Netanyahu pledged to establish clear conscription goals for ultra-Orthodox individuals into the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and national civil service. This initiative aims to ensure equitable military obligations across Israeli society.
The Supreme Court nullified a law exempting ultra-Orthodox men from military conscription in 2018, advocating for a fairer distribution of the service burden. However, Parliament’s failure to devise an alternative arrangement has led to a looming expiration of the government-issued exemption in March.
Netanyahu’s commitment comes in response to his defense minister’s vow to oppose any legislation extending exemptions without a consensus on ultra-Orthodox enlistment. This underscores internal strife within the coalition over the contentious issue of conscription.
Ultra-Orthodox parties, key allies in Netanyahu’s coalition, have historically demanded draft exemptions as a condition for their support. However, the defense minister’s recent stance signals a departure from this precedent, reflecting growing tensions within the coalition.
The exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews have long been a divisive issue in Israeli society, exacerbated by the country’s costly mobilization for the Gaza war. While some argue for their right to study in seminaries instead of serving in the military, others view the exemptions as detrimental to societal cohesion and economic productivity.
Netanyahu’s initiative seeks to address these tensions and establish a more equitable framework for military service, ensuring that all sectors of Israeli society contribute to the nation’s defense.
