Israel Supreme Court orders Ultra-Orthodox Jews to be drafted into the military
By Mick Krever and Mike Schwartz
Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men protest in Jerusalem against compulsory military service, on April 11,. Ohad Zwigenberg/AP
Israel’s Supreme Court has ruled that the government must draft ultra-Orthodox Jews into the military, potentially impacting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition. The court also ordered funding withdrawal from religious schools whose students do not comply with draft notices. This decision could lead to a significant shift in Israel’s military dynamics, as ultra-Orthodox men have been largely exempt from military service since the country’s inception.
The ruling is crucial amid ongoing war tensions and a fractured government. Netanyahu’s efforts to secure a draft exemption for ultra-Orthodox men have faced opposition, highlighting the struggle between national defense requirements and religious obligations. The court’s decision emphasizes equality before the law, underscoring the need for uniform service obligations among all citizens.
Despite the ruling, immediate enlistment of ultra-Orthodox men is unlikely, given the complex socio-political landscape in Israel. The decision reflects a broader discourse on military service exemptions and societal responsibilities in a nation grappling with regional conflicts and internal divisions.