Israel’s government has announced plans to conscript ultra-Orthodox Jewish men for the first time in the country’s history, following a Supreme Court ruling. This move, which threatens to upset the ultra-Orthodox community and destabilize the far-right coalition government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has sparked protests and concerns about potential early elections.
Ultra-Orthodox Jews, also known as Haredim, are the most religious demographic in Israel and have traditionally been exempt from military service. The community values devotion to prayer and worship above all else, with some even adopting a neutral stance on the conflict with Palestinians in favor of preserving life over land.
The reasons behind their opposition to conscription are deeply rooted in their way of life, as well as historical agreements made before the creation of Israel in 1948. Ultra-Orthodox men feel that serving in the army goes against their religious beliefs and threatens their community’s values.
Secular Israelis have long called for the ultra-Orthodox to serve in the military, believing that they should share the burden of protecting the country. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has further amplified these calls for enlistment, as Israel faces a need for more reserves and manpower.
While the conscription of ultra-Orthodox men could potentially bring down the government, the coalition’s reliance on both the ultra-Orthodox and far-right settlers makes this outcome uncertain. Despite differences in ideology, both groups have found common ground in supporting the government that has served their interests.
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