In Israel, military service is compulsory for most Jewish men and women, but powerful ultra-Orthodox parties have secured exemptions for their followers to study in religious seminaries instead. This has led to growing resentment among the broader public, especially during the recent war against Hamas, in which over 600 soldiers have been killed and tens of thousands of reservists activated.
The ultra-Orthodox parties argue that forcing their men to serve in the military would threaten their generations-old way of life. Thousands of men have gathered for mass prayers and protests, with signs criticizing the government and calling for no male to be drafted.
These parties are crucial members of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s coalition government and could potentially cause new elections if they decide to leave in protest. However, they have not confirmed their intentions to do so, as it could be a risky move given the government’s declining popularity since the start of the war.
The issue of military exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox has been a longstanding controversy in Israel, with many arguing that it creates an unfair burden on those who do serve in the military. The outcome of this current political standoff remains uncertain, but it highlights the deep divisions within Israeli society over the issue of military service.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
