Israel’s top court unanimously ruled on Tuesday, June 25, that the state must draft ultra-Orthodox Jewish men to military service, potentially destabilizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling coalition.
The decision, amidst increased calls for ultra-Orthodox men to join the military due to ongoing conflicts, marks a shift from historic exemptions. Netanyahu’s government, which includes ultra-Orthodox parties, now faces internal strife.
The court’s ruling, responding to civil petitions, demands equal military service for all Israelis, regardless of religious background, amid longstanding political tensions over exemptions.