Military service is mandatory for most Jewish men and women in Israel, but ultra-Orthodox parties have secured exemptions for their followers to study in religious seminaries instead. This has led to resentment among the broader public, especially during the recent eight-month war against Hamas, which has resulted in the deaths of over 600 soldiers and disrupted the lives of tens of thousands of reservists.
The ultra-Orthodox parties argue that conscripting their men would threaten their traditional way of life, and their supporters have gathered in mass prayers and protests against the government. These parties are important members of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s coalition, and their potential departure could lead to new elections.
Despite growing discontent with the government’s handling of the war, party leaders have not announced whether they will leave the coalition. This decision is risky for them, as Netanyahu’s popularity has declined since the outbreak of the conflict with Hamas in October. The debate over military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men is a contentious issue in Israeli society and has the potential to have significant political repercussions.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com