Israel’s High Court is currently hearing petitions supporting the drafting of Ultra-Orthodox Haredi Jews into the military, despite previous protests against conscription. Led by Chief Justice Uzi Fogelman, the court heard arguments from the government’s private council against court intervention in enforcing the draft. The government’s position is that the court should not dictate how and when Haredi Jews are enlisted, as they have not violated any draft orders.
Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara argues that the government’s failure to draft Haredi Jews is illegal and impedes the authority of the attorney general in military matters. The previous law allowing Haredi Jews to postpone service until age 26 expired in 2023, leaving a gap for Haredi Jews to avoid military service.
The issue is further complicated by coalition politics, as Prime Minister Netanyahu’s far-right allies include Ultra-Orthodox parties crucial to his ruling coalition. The recent violence in Gaza has heightened the urgency of the military draft discussion. As tensions rise, the court’s decision may have significant implications on military policy in Israel.\
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